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Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services 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, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, 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 detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and transit to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.