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

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po 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 search goes on. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

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

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

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

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

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