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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

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

Local media also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.