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The tragic death toll from the major apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has now reached 159, while authorities have ordered the taking down of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.

A Deadly Blaze 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 to occur since 1980.

Law enforcement have stated that the fatality count may still be revised, as investigators discovered "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 previously stated the tragedy at the estate, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was likely made worse by the use of netting that did not meet fire-resistance standards.

The flames reportedly quickly covered the surfaces of the apartment blocks, which were encased in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and foam boards.

In reaction, the development chief on Wednesday instructed all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to take down the mesh by Saturday. This directive is expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.

A Community Grieving

Mourners have continued to stream to a public garden near the charred buildings, placing hundreds of bouquets and notes of remembrance for the victims. The youngest victim was a one-year-old, and the most senior was 97.

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

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

Aftermath and Arrests

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

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

Police have earlier arrested a total of 15 people, including construction company bosses, on suspicion of manslaughter.

A additional six people have been arrested on a separate allegation, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which failed to work at the moment the fire started.

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the disaster has spurred widespread calls for accountability 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 different announcement, the national security office denounced what it called “external hostile forces” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to create unrest and incite chaos.”

The office wrote that “all acts and words aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “all conspiracies to disrupt Hong Kong will have no place to hide.”

Local media have detailed the detentions of several individuals over the weekend, including a 24-year-old student and a former district councillor, for alleged sedition. Both men were later seen departing from custody.

In a connected event, a campus message board run by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A note placed on the board, which remained visible behind barricades, read: “We are the people of Hong Kong. Urge the government to respond to public requests so justice can be done.”