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The devastating number of fatalities from the major residential block blaze in Hong Kong has now reached 159, as city officials have ordered the taking down of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.

A Fatal Inferno Which Has Become a Worldwide Disaster

The fire that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now stands as the most fatal apartment block blaze recorded since 1980.

Police officials have indicated that the fatality count could still change, as investigators discovered "suspected human bones" that need additional analysis.

“I hope people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” remarked one of the organisers, noting that the victims suffered “a great deal of unfairness.”

Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Fire

Authorities have earlier said the disaster at the housing complex, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely made worse by the installation of mesh that failed to comply with fire-resistance standards.

The fire are said to have quickly covered the surfaces of the apartment blocks, which were wrapped in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and insulation panels.

In response, the development chief on Wednesday instructed all Hong Kong buildings receiving substantial upkeep to remove their netting by Saturday. This order 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 messages of condolence for the victims. The most junior victim was just one year old, and the most senior was 97.

Sections of 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 expression of grief through this unspoken connection” with those who perished.

Fallout and Detentions

Occupants of the only building not burned were allowed to go back shortly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.

Authorities stated that over 2,900 residents have been given short-term accommodation.

Police have earlier arrested a group of fifteen individuals, including building firm executives, on suspicion of manslaughter.

A additional six people have been arrested on a different charge, concerning the estate’s safety alarms which malfunctioned at the time of the blaze.

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the disaster has led to widespread demands for responsibility and change, leaders are also monitoring for any public disturbance linked to the incident.

The chief executive has warned against crimes that “take advantage of the disaster.”

In a different announcement, the security authority denounced what it called “external hostile forces” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to stir up trouble and provoke disorder.”

The authority stated that “any actions or speech 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 several individuals over the weekend, including a 24-year-old student and a former district councillor, for alleged sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted departing from custody.

In a connected event, a university noticeboard operated by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A note placed on the board, which remained visible behind barricades, said: “We are Hongkongers. We urge the government to address public demands so justice can be done.”