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

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, 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 search goes on. About forty people are currently missing.

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 fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

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

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, 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 law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

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

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.