The tragic number of fatalities from the massive apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has now reached 159, as authorities have mandated the taking down of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.
A Deadly Blaze That Became a Global Tragedy
The fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now is considered the world’s deadliest apartment block blaze recorded since 1980.
Police officials have indicated that the fatality count could still change, as investigators recovered "suspected human bones" that need additional analysis.
“It is my wish that people can come here to find a place for their sorrow,” remarked a volunteer organiser, adding that the victims endured “a great deal of unfairness.”
Scaffolding Material Cited for Quick Escalation of Flames
Authorities have earlier said the disaster at the estate, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was probably exacerbated by the use of netting that did not meet fire-resistance standards.
The flames reportedly rapidly spread across the surfaces of the apartment blocks, which were encased in scaffolding poles, protective netting, and foam boards.
In reaction, the development chief on Wednesday instructed 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 kept coming to a public garden near the charred buildings, leaving countless flowers and messages of condolence for the victims. The youngest 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 “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 allowed to return home briefly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.
Officials stated that over 2,900 residents have been provided with temporary housing.
Law enforcement 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 safety alarms which malfunctioned at the moment the fire started.
Appeals for Order and Caution
While the disaster has spurred widespread calls for accountability and reform, officials are also monitoring for any unrest linked to the incident.
The chief executive has cautions about crimes that “exploit the tragedy.”
In a different announcement, the security authority condemned what it called “external hostile forces” that have “seized upon the disaster to stir up trouble and incite chaos.”
The authority wrote that “all acts and words aimed at undermining the city’s stability will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “all conspiracies to cause disruption will have no place to hide.”
Local media have detailed the detentions of several individuals over the weekend, including a 24-year-old 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 run by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A note placed on the board, which could still be seen behind barricades, said: “We are Hongkongers. Urge the government to address public demands so fairness may prevail.”
