The tragic number of fatalities from the major apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, while city officials have ordered the removal of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.
A Deadly Blaze That Became a Global Tragedy
The fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district last week now stands as the world’s deadliest residential building fire recorded since 1980.
Law enforcement have stated that the fatality count may still be revised, as investigators recovered "what are believed to be human remains" that require additional analysis.
“It is my wish that people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” said one of the organisers, noting that the victims suffered “a great deal of unfairness.”
Scaffolding Material Cited for Rapid Spread of Flames
Officials have earlier said the tragedy at the housing complex, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely made worse by the use of netting that did not meet fire-resistance standards.
The fire are said to have rapidly spread across the exteriors of the buildings, which were wrapped in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and insulation panels.
In reaction, the secretary for development on Wednesday instructed all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday. This order is expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.
A Community Grieving
Mourners have continued to stream to a small park near the charred buildings, placing hundreds of bouquets and notes of remembrance for the victims. The youngest victim was a one-year-old, and the most senior was 97.
Areas within the park were adorned 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 silent bond” with those who perished.
Aftermath and Arrests
Residents of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to go back shortly on Wednesday to collect personal items.
Authorities stated that more than 2,900 residents have been provided with temporary housing.
Police have previously detained a total of 15 people, including building firm executives, on suspicion of manslaughter.
A additional six people have been arrested on a separate allegation, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which malfunctioned at the moment the fire started.
Appeals for Order and Caution
While the disaster has spurred widespread demands for responsibility and change, officials are also watching out for any public disturbance connected with the incident.
The city leader has cautions about actions that “take advantage of the disaster.”
In a different announcement, the national security office condemned what it called “external hostile forces” that have “seized upon the disaster to create unrest and incite chaos.”
The office stated 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 no place to hide.”
News outlets have detailed the detentions of a number of people over the weekend, including a university student and a ex-local representative, for suspected sedition. Both men were later seen leaving police stations.
In a connected event, a university noticeboard operated by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A message stuck to the board, which could still be seen behind barricades, read: “We are the people of Hong Kong. Urge the government to respond to public requests so fairness may prevail.”
