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The tragic death toll from the major residential block blaze in Hong Kong has now reached 159, while city officials have ordered the removal of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.

A Fatal Inferno Which Has Become a Worldwide Disaster

The fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now is considered the most fatal residential building fire recorded since 1980.

Police officials have stated that the number of dead may still be revised, as officers recovered "what are believed to be human remains" that need further forensic testing.

“It is my wish that people can come here to find a place for their sorrow,” said a volunteer organiser, noting that the victims endured “many injustices.”

Netting Blamed for Quick Escalation of Fire

Authorities have earlier said the tragedy at the estate, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was likely made worse by the installation of mesh that failed to comply with fire-resistance standards.

The flames are said to have quickly covered the exteriors of the apartment blocks, which were encased in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and insulation panels.

In response, the development chief on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings receiving substantial upkeep to take down the mesh by Saturday. This order is expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.

A City in Mourning

Grieving residents have kept coming to a small park near the charred buildings, placing countless flowers and notes of remembrance for the victims. The youngest victim was just one year old, and the oldest was 97.

Areas within the park were decorated with lines of colourful origami cranes, and helpers handed out paper and pens to visitors.

One young man, described the location as a “bridge,” allowing for “an exchange and the expression of grief through this unspoken connection” with those who were lost.

Fallout and Detentions

Residents of the only building not burned were permitted to go back shortly on Wednesday to collect personal items.

Officials stated that more than 2,900 residents have been provided with short-term accommodation.

Law enforcement have earlier arrested a group of fifteen individuals, including construction company bosses, on suspicion of manslaughter.

A further six have been arrested on a different charge, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which failed to work at the time of the blaze.

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the disaster has spurred widespread demands for responsibility and change, leaders are also watching out for any public disturbance connected with the incident.

The chief executive has cautions about actions that “exploit the tragedy.”

In a different announcement, the security authority denounced what it called “external hostile forces” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to stir up trouble and incite chaos.”

The office stated that “any actions or speech aimed at undermining the city’s stability will be documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “any plots to disrupt Hong Kong will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”

News outlets have detailed the arrests of several individuals over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for suspected sedition. Both men were later seen leaving police stations.

In a connected event, a university noticeboard run by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A note stuck to the board, which could still be seen behind barriers, read: “We are Hongkongers. Urge the government to address public requests so justice can be done.”