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The tragic death toll from the major residential block blaze in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, while authorities have mandated the removal of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.

A Deadly Blaze That Became a Worldwide Disaster

The blaze 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 could still change, as investigators discovered "suspected human bones" that require additional analysis.

“I hope people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” said one of the organisers, adding that the victims endured “a great deal of unfairness.”

Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Fire

Authorities have earlier said the tragedy at the housing complex, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely made worse by the use of netting that failed to comply with fire-resistance standards.

The flames reportedly rapidly spread across the exteriors of the apartment blocks, which were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and insulation panels.

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

A Community Grieving

Mourners have continued to stream to a public garden near the fire-damaged buildings, leaving hundreds of bouquets 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, described the location as a “connection,” allowing for “an exchange and the expression of grief through this unspoken connection” 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.

Officials stated that over 2,900 residents have been given temporary housing.

Police have earlier arrested a group of fifteen individuals, including construction company bosses, on suspicion of manslaughter.

A further six have been taken into custody on a different charge, concerning the estate’s safety alarms which failed to work at the time of the blaze.

Calls for Calm and Warnings

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

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

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 provoke disorder.”

The office wrote that “all acts and words aimed at undermining the city’s stability will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “any plots to disrupt Hong Kong will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”

Local media reportedly covered the arrests of several individuals 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 related development, a university noticeboard run by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A note stuck to the board, which remained visible behind barricades, read: “We are Hongkongers. Urge the government to address public demands so justice can be done.”