The city of Hong Kong Residential Blaze Death Toll Climbs to 159, Prompting Across-the-City Order to Take Down Protective Netting

The devastating death toll from the massive residential block blaze in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, while authorities have ordered the taking down of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.

A Fatal Inferno Which Has Become 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 apartment block blaze to occur since 1980.

Law enforcement have indicated that the number of dead may still be revised, as investigators discovered "suspected human bones" that require further forensic testing.

“It is my wish that people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” remarked one of the organisers, adding that the victims endured “a great deal of unfairness.”

Netting Blamed for Quick Escalation of Fire

Authorities have previously stated the disaster 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 flames reportedly rapidly spread across the surfaces of the buildings, which were wrapped in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and foam boards.

In reaction, 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 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 most junior victim was just one year old, and the most senior was 97.

Sections of the park were adorned with lines of paper cranes, and volunteers distributed 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 unspoken connection” with those who perished.

Fallout and Detentions

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

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

Law enforcement have earlier arrested a group of fifteen individuals, including building firm executives, on suspicion of manslaughter.

A additional six people have been taken into custody on a separate allegation, 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 calls for accountability and change, leaders are also watching out for any public disturbance linked to the incident.

The city leader has cautions about crimes that “exploit the tragedy.”

In a different announcement, the national security office condemned what it called “outside agitators” that have “seized upon the disaster to create unrest and provoke disorder.”

The office stated that “any actions or speech aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “any plots to cause disruption will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”

Local media have detailed the detentions of a number of people over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for alleged sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted departing from custody.

In a connected event, a campus message board operated by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A note stuck to the board, which remained visible behind barricades, said: “We are Hongkongers. We urge the government to address public demands so fairness may prevail.”