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The tragic death toll from the major residential block blaze in Hong Kong has now reached 159, while city officials have ordered the taking down of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.

A Fatal Inferno That Became a Worldwide Disaster

The fire that engulfed 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 could still change, as officers recovered "what are believed to be human remains" that need further forensic testing.

“I hope people can come here to find a place for their sorrow,” said one of the organisers, adding that the victims endured “many injustices.”

Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Flames

Authorities have earlier said the tragedy at the estate, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was probably exacerbated by the installation of mesh that did not meet safety regulations.

The flames are said to have quickly covered the exteriors of the apartment blocks, which were encased in scaffolding poles, protective netting, and foam boards.

In reaction, the secretary for development on Wednesday instructed all Hong Kong buildings receiving substantial upkeep to remove their netting by Saturday. This order is expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.

A Community Grieving

Mourners have kept coming 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.

Sections of the park were decorated with rows of paper cranes, and volunteers 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 perished.

Fallout and Detentions

Residents of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to go back shortly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.

Authorities stated that over 2,900 residents have been given short-term accommodation.

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

A additional six people have been taken into custody on a separate allegation, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which failed to work at the time of the blaze.

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the disaster has spurred widespread calls for accountability and reform, officials are also monitoring for any public disturbance linked to the incident.

The chief executive has warned against crimes that “take advantage of the disaster.”

In a different announcement, the national security office condemned what it called “external hostile forces” that have “seized upon the disaster to stir up trouble and incite chaos.”

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 nowhere to conceal themselves.”

News outlets have detailed the arrests of several individuals over the weekend, including a 24-year-old student and a former district councillor, for suspected sedition. Both men were later seen leaving police stations.

In a connected event, a university noticeboard run by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A note placed on the board, which could still be seen behind barricades, read: “We are Hongkongers. We urge the government to respond to public demands so justice can be done.”