🔗 Share this article

The devastating death toll from the massive apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has now reached 159, as authorities have ordered the taking down of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.

A Deadly Blaze Which Has Become a Global Tragedy

The fire that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district last week now is considered the world’s deadliest apartment block blaze to occur since 1980.

Law enforcement have stated that the fatality count may still be revised, as investigators discovered "suspected human bones" that require additional analysis.

“It is my wish that people can come here to find a place for their sorrow,” remarked one of the organisers, adding that the victims endured “many injustices.”

Scaffolding Material Cited for Quick Escalation of Fire

Officials have earlier said the tragedy at the estate, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely made worse by the installation of mesh that did not meet fire-resistance standards.

The flames reportedly rapidly spread across the surfaces of the buildings, which were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and foam boards.

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

A City in Mourning

Grieving residents have kept coming to a public garden near the fire-damaged buildings, placing countless flowers and notes of remembrance for the victims. The most junior victim was just one year old, and the oldest was 97.

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

One young man, described the location as a “bridge,” allowing for “communication and the expression of grief through this unspoken connection” with those who perished.

Aftermath and Arrests

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

Authorities stated that more than 2,900 residents have been provided with short-term accommodation.

Law enforcement have previously detained a total of 15 people, including construction company bosses, on suspicion of manslaughter.

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

Calls for Calm and Warnings

While the catastrophe has spurred widespread calls for accountability and change, leaders are also monitoring for any unrest linked to the incident.

The chief executive has warned against actions that “exploit the tragedy.”

In a separate statement, the national security office condemned what it called “external hostile forces” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to stir up trouble and incite chaos.”

The authority stated that “any actions or speech 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 have covered the arrests of several individuals over the weekend, including a university student and a ex-local representative, for suspected sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted leaving police stations.

In a related development, a campus message board operated by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A message stuck to the board, which could still be seen behind barriers, said: “We are the people of Hong Kong. We urge the government to respond to public requests so justice can be done.”