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Officials in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are deemed 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 said.