The devastating number of fatalities from the massive apartment complex fire 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 Which Has Become a Worldwide Disaster
The blaze that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now stands as the world’s deadliest residential building fire recorded since 1980.
Law enforcement have stated that the number of dead could still change, as investigators discovered "what are believed to be human remains" 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 “a great deal of unfairness.”
Scaffolding Material Cited for Rapid Spread of Fire
Authorities have previously stated the disaster at the housing complex, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was likely made worse by the use of netting that did not meet fire-resistance standards.
The fire reportedly rapidly spread across the surfaces of the buildings, which were encased in scaffolding poles, protective netting, and insulation panels.
In response, the development chief on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings receiving substantial upkeep to remove their netting by Saturday. This order is likely to impact approximately 200 structures across the city.
A Community Grieving
Grieving residents have continued to stream to a small park near the charred buildings, leaving countless flowers and notes of remembrance for the victims. The youngest victim was just one year old, and the most senior was 97.
Sections of the park were decorated with rows of paper 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 sharing of sorrow through this unspoken connection” with those who were lost.
Aftermath and Arrests
Residents of the sole unaffected tower were permitted to go back shortly on Wednesday to collect personal items.
Authorities stated that over 2,900 residents have been given short-term accommodation.
Police have earlier arrested a group of fifteen individuals, including building firm executives, on charges related to manslaughter.
A additional six people have been arrested on a different charge, concerning the estate’s safety alarms which failed to work at the moment the fire started.
Appeals for Order and Caution
While the disaster has led to widespread calls for accountability and change, leaders are also monitoring for any public disturbance connected with the incident.
The city leader has cautions about actions that “exploit the tragedy.”
In a different announcement, the national security office denounced what it called “outside agitators” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to stir up trouble and provoke disorder.”
The authority stated that “any actions or speech 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.”
News outlets have covered the detentions of several individuals over the weekend, including a university student and a ex-local representative, for alleged sedition. Both men were later seen departing from custody.
In a connected event, a university noticeboard run by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A note stuck to the board, which remained visible behind barriers, read: “We are Hongkongers. We urge the government to address public demands so fairness may prevail.”
