The city of Hong Kong Residential Blaze Death Toll Rises to 159, Leading to Across-the-City Order to Take Down Scaffolding Nets

The tragic death toll from the massive apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, as authorities have ordered the taking down of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.

A Deadly Blaze That Became a Global Tragedy

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

Law enforcement have stated that the number of dead may still be revised, as officers discovered "suspected human bones" that need further forensic testing.

“I hope people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” said one of the organisers, noting that the victims endured “many injustices.”

Netting Blamed for Quick Escalation of Fire

Officials have earlier said the disaster at the estate, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was probably exacerbated by the use of netting that failed to comply with safety regulations.

The flames are said to have quickly covered the exteriors of the buildings, which were encased in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and insulation panels.

In reaction, the development chief on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday. This order is likely to impact approximately 200 structures across the city.

A City in Mourning

Mourners have continued to stream to a small park near the fire-damaged buildings, placing countless flowers and notes of remembrance for the victims. The most junior victim was a one-year-old, and the most senior was 97.

Areas within the park were decorated with rows of colourful origami cranes, and volunteers distributed paper and pens to visitors.

One 26-year-old visitor, characterised the location as a “bridge,” allowing for “an exchange and the expression of grief through this unspoken connection” with those who perished.

Fallout and Detentions

Occupants of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to return home briefly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.

Officials stated that more than 2,900 residents have been provided with temporary housing.

Law enforcement have earlier arrested a total of 15 people, including construction company bosses, on charges related to manslaughter.

A additional six people have been taken into custody on a different charge, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which failed to work at the moment the fire started.

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the disaster has led to widespread demands for responsibility and change, leaders are also watching out for any unrest connected with the incident.

The chief executive has warned against crimes that “take advantage of the disaster.”

In a different announcement, the national security office denounced what it called “external hostile forces” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to create unrest and provoke disorder.”

The authority wrote that “any actions or speech aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “all conspiracies to disrupt Hong Kong will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”

News outlets reportedly covered the detentions of a number of people over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for suspected sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted leaving police stations.

In a related development, a campus message board operated by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A message stuck to the board, which remained visible behind barricades, said: “We are Hongkongers. Urge the government to respond to public demands so justice can be done.”