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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. About forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

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

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

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

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

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