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The tragic number of fatalities from the major residential block blaze in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, as authorities have mandated the removal of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.

A Fatal Inferno Which Has Become a Worldwide Disaster

The fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now stands as the world’s deadliest residential building fire recorded since 1980.

Law enforcement have indicated that the number of dead could still change, as officers discovered "suspected human bones" that need further forensic testing.

“It is my wish that people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” remarked one of the organisers, adding that the victims endured “a great deal of unfairness.”

Scaffolding Material Cited for Rapid Spread of Flames

Officials have previously stated the disaster at the housing complex, which was undergoing major renovations, was probably exacerbated by the use of netting that failed to comply with safety regulations.

The flames reportedly rapidly spread across the exteriors of the apartment blocks, which were wrapped in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and foam boards.

In reaction, the secretary for development on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting 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 small park 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 most senior was 97.

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

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

Aftermath and Arrests

Occupants 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 provided with short-term accommodation.

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

A additional six people have been taken into custody 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 disaster has led to widespread demands for responsibility and reform, leaders are also watching out for any public disturbance connected with the incident.

The city leader has warned against actions that “take advantage of the disaster.”

In a separate statement, the security authority denounced what it called “outside agitators” 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 documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “any plots to disrupt Hong Kong will have no place to hide.”

News outlets reportedly detailed the detentions of a number of people over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for alleged sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted leaving police stations.

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. Urge the government to address public requests so fairness may prevail.”