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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.