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The devastating death toll from the massive residential block blaze in Hong Kong has now reached 159, as city officials have ordered the taking down 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 northern Tai Po district last week now stands as the world’s deadliest residential building fire to occur since 1980.

Police officials have stated that the fatality count may still be revised, as investigators recovered "suspected human bones" that require additional analysis.

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

Scaffolding Material Cited for Rapid Spread of Fire

Officials have previously stated the disaster at the housing complex, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was probably exacerbated by the use of netting that did not meet safety regulations.

The fire reportedly quickly covered the surfaces of the buildings, which were encased in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and foam boards.

In response, the secretary for development on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to take down the mesh by Saturday. This directive is likely to impact approximately 200 structures across the city.

A City in Mourning

Mourners have kept coming to a public garden near the fire-damaged buildings, placing hundreds of bouquets and notes of remembrance for the victims. The most junior victim was just one year old, and the most senior was 97.

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

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

Aftermath and Arrests

Residents of the sole unaffected tower were permitted to go back shortly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.

Officials stated that over 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 further six have been taken into custody on a different charge, concerning the estate’s safety alarms which malfunctioned at the moment the fire started.

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the catastrophe has spurred widespread calls for accountability and reform, officials are also monitoring for any public disturbance connected with the incident.

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

In a different announcement, the security authority denounced what it called “outside agitators” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to create unrest and provoke disorder.”

The authority stated that “all acts and words aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “any plots to disrupt Hong Kong will have no place to hide.”

Local media have detailed the arrests of several individuals over the weekend, including a 24-year-old student and a ex-local representative, for suspected sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted departing from custody.

In a connected event, a university noticeboard operated by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A note placed on the board, which remained visible behind barricades, said: “We are Hongkongers. Urge the government to respond to public requests so fairness may prevail.”