The tragic death toll from the massive residential block blaze in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, as authorities have ordered the removal of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.
A Deadly Blaze That Became a Worldwide Disaster
The fire that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now is considered the most fatal residential building fire to occur since 1980.
Police officials have stated that the fatality count may still be revised, as investigators discovered "suspected human bones" that need further forensic testing.
“It is my wish that people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” said one of the organisers, adding that the victims endured “many injustices.”
Scaffolding Material Cited for Rapid Spread of Fire
Officials have earlier said the disaster at the housing complex, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely made worse by the installation of mesh that did not meet safety regulations.
The flames reportedly rapidly spread across the surfaces of the apartment blocks, which were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and foam boards.
In response, the development chief on Wednesday instructed 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 kept coming to a public garden near the charred buildings, leaving hundreds of bouquets and messages of condolence for the victims. The youngest victim was a one-year-old, and the oldest was 97.
Sections of the park were decorated with rows of paper cranes, and helpers handed out paper and pens to visitors.
One 26-year-old visitor, described the location as a “connection,” allowing for “communication and the expression of grief through this silent bond” with those who were lost.
Fallout and Detentions
Occupants of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to go back shortly on Wednesday to collect personal items.
Officials stated that over 2,900 residents have been given short-term accommodation.
Law enforcement have previously detained a group of fifteen individuals, including building firm executives, on suspicion of manslaughter.
A additional six people have been taken into custody on a different charge, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which malfunctioned at the moment the fire started.
Calls for Calm and Warnings
While the disaster has led to widespread calls for accountability and change, officials are also monitoring for any unrest linked to the incident.
The chief executive has cautions about crimes that “take advantage of the disaster.”
In a separate statement, the national security office condemned what it called “external hostile forces” that have “seized upon the disaster to stir up trouble and incite chaos.”
The authority stated that “any actions or speech aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “any plots to cause disruption will have no place to hide.”
Local media reportedly detailed the detentions of several individuals over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for alleged sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted leaving police stations.
In a connected event, a university noticeboard run by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A message stuck to the board, which remained visible behind barricades, read: “We are the people of Hong Kong. Urge the government to respond to public demands so justice can be done.”
