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Authorities in the city have detained 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. 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 Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

Local media also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.