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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty 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 cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

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

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.