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

A Deadly Blaze Which Has Become a Global Tragedy

The blaze that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district last week now is considered the most fatal apartment block blaze recorded since 1980.

Law enforcement have stated that the fatality count could still change, as officers recovered "suspected human bones" that require further forensic testing.

“I hope people can come here to find a place for their sorrow,” remarked a volunteer organiser, noting that the victims endured “many injustices.”

Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Fire

Authorities have previously stated the tragedy 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 flames are said to have rapidly spread across the exteriors of the buildings, which were encased in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and insulation panels.

In reaction, the development chief on Wednesday instructed all Hong Kong buildings receiving substantial upkeep to remove their netting by Saturday. This directive is likely to impact approximately 200 structures across the city.

A Community Grieving

Mourners have kept coming to a public garden near the charred buildings, placing hundreds of bouquets and messages of condolence for the victims. The youngest victim was just one year old, and the oldest was 97.

Areas within the park were adorned with lines 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 “an exchange and the sharing of sorrow through this unspoken connection” with those who were lost.

Aftermath and Arrests

Residents of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to return home briefly on Wednesday to collect personal items.

Officials stated that more than 2,900 residents have been provided with short-term accommodation.

Law enforcement have previously detained a group of fifteen individuals, including building firm executives, on charges related to manslaughter.

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

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the catastrophe has spurred widespread demands for responsibility and reform, leaders are also watching out for any public disturbance connected with 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 create unrest and incite chaos.”

The authority wrote that “all acts and words aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “all conspiracies to cause disruption will have no place to hide.”

News outlets reportedly detailed the detentions of several individuals over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for suspected sedition. Both men were later seen departing from custody.

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. We urge the government to respond to public requests so fairness may prevail.”