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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury 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 twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, 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 victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

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

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’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 problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

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

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.