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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to 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, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting 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 cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” 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 disclosed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “hostile” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

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

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