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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

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 Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting 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 installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police 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 arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, 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.