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Officials in the city have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, 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 language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.