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Authorities in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

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

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

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