The devastating death toll from the major apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has now reached 159, as city officials have mandated the taking down of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.
A Deadly Blaze That Became a Global Tragedy
The blaze that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district last week now stands as the world’s deadliest residential building fire to occur since 1980.
Police officials have indicated that the number of dead could still change, as investigators recovered "what are believed to be human remains" that require 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 suffered “many injustices.”
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 installation of mesh that did not meet fire-resistance standards.
The flames are said to have rapidly spread across the surfaces of the buildings, which were encased in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and foam boards.
In response, the development chief on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday. This order is expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.
A City in Mourning
Grieving residents have continued to stream to a small park near the fire-damaged buildings, leaving hundreds of bouquets and notes of remembrance for the victims. The youngest victim was a one-year-old, and the oldest was 97.
Sections of the park were adorned with lines of paper cranes, and helpers distributed paper and pens to visitors.
One 26-year-old visitor, characterised the location as a “connection,” allowing for “an exchange and the expression of grief through this silent bond” with those who were lost.
Aftermath and Arrests
Residents of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to return home briefly on Wednesday to collect personal items.
Authorities stated that over 2,900 residents have been given temporary housing.
Law enforcement have earlier arrested a total of 15 people, including building firm executives, on suspicion of manslaughter.
A further six have been arrested on a separate allegation, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which malfunctioned at the moment the fire started.
Appeals for Order and Caution
While the catastrophe has led to widespread calls for accountability and change, officials 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 separate statement, the security authority condemned what it called “outside agitators” that have “seized upon the disaster to create unrest and provoke disorder.”
The office wrote that “any actions or speech aimed at undermining the city’s stability will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “any plots to cause disruption will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”
News outlets reportedly detailed the arrests of a number of people over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for alleged sedition. Both men were later seen departing from custody.
In a related development, a university noticeboard operated by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A note placed on the board, which remained visible behind barricades, said: “We are the people of Hong Kong. We urge the government to address public demands so fairness may prevail.”
