🔗 Share this article

The devastating number of fatalities from the major residential block blaze in Hong Kong has now reached 159, as city officials have mandated the removal of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.

A Fatal Inferno That Became a Worldwide Disaster

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 recorded since 1980.

Police officials have indicated that the number of dead could still change, as officers discovered "suspected human bones" that need additional analysis.

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

Netting Blamed for Quick Escalation of Fire

Authorities have earlier said the disaster at the estate, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely made worse by the installation of mesh that failed to comply with safety regulations.

The fire are said to have rapidly spread across the exteriors of the buildings, which were wrapped in scaffolding poles, protective netting, and insulation panels.

In response, the secretary for development on Wednesday ordered 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

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 most senior was 97.

Sections of the park were decorated with rows of colourful origami cranes, and helpers distributed paper and pens to visitors.

One 26-year-old visitor, described the location as a “connection,” allowing for “communication and the sharing of sorrow through this unspoken connection” with those who were lost.

Fallout and Detentions

Occupants of the only building not burned were permitted to return home briefly on Wednesday to collect personal items.

Authorities stated that more than 2,900 residents have been provided with temporary housing.

Law enforcement have previously detained a total of 15 people, including building firm executives, on charges related to manslaughter.

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

Calls for Calm and Warnings

While the disaster has spurred widespread demands for responsibility and change, officials are also monitoring for any unrest linked to the incident.

The city leader has cautions about crimes that “exploit the tragedy.”

In a separate statement, the security authority denounced what it called “external hostile forces” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to create unrest and provoke disorder.”

The office wrote that “all acts and words aimed at undermining the city’s stability will be documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “any plots to disrupt Hong Kong will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”

Local media reportedly covered 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 run by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A message placed on the board, which remained visible behind barricades, read: “We are Hongkongers. We urge the government to address public demands so fairness may prevail.”