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Officials in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, 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 wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility 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 detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.