The devastating death toll from the major residential block blaze in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, as city officials have ordered the removal of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.
A Fatal Inferno That Became a Global Tragedy
The blaze that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now is considered the most fatal residential building fire recorded since 1980.
Police officials have indicated that the fatality count could still change, as officers discovered "suspected human bones" that need further forensic testing.
“I hope people can come here to find a place for their sorrow,” said one of the organisers, noting that the victims endured “a great deal of unfairness.”
Netting Blamed for Quick Escalation of Flames
Authorities have earlier said the disaster at the estate, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was probably exacerbated by the use of netting that failed to comply with safety regulations.
The fire reportedly rapidly spread across the exteriors of the buildings, which were encased in bamboo scaffolding, safety mesh, and foam boards.
In response, the development chief 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 City in Mourning
Mourners have kept coming to a public garden near the charred 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.
Sections of the park were adorned with rows of paper cranes, and helpers distributed paper and pens to visitors.
One 26-year-old visitor, described the location as a “connection,” allowing for “an exchange and the sharing of sorrow through this silent bond” with those who perished.
Fallout and Detentions
Occupants of the only building not burned were permitted to go back shortly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.
Authorities stated that over 2,900 residents have been provided with short-term accommodation.
Police have earlier arrested a total of 15 people, including construction company bosses, on charges related to manslaughter.
A further six have been arrested on a different charge, concerning the estate’s safety alarms which malfunctioned at the time of the blaze.
Calls for Calm and Warnings
While the catastrophe has led to widespread demands for responsibility and reform, leaders are also watching out for any unrest linked to the incident.
The chief executive has warned against actions that “take advantage of the disaster.”
In a different announcement, the security authority condemned what it called “outside agitators” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to create unrest and provoke disorder.”
The office wrote that “all acts and words 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.”
Local media reportedly covered the detentions of a number of people 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 university noticeboard operated by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A note stuck to the board, which could still be seen behind barriers, read: “We are the people of Hong Kong. We urge the government to address public requests so justice can be done.”