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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations 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 city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.