The tragic number of fatalities from the massive apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has now reached 159, as authorities have ordered the taking down of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.
A Deadly Blaze That Became a Global Tragedy
The blaze that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now is considered the most fatal residential building fire to occur since 1980.
Law enforcement have stated that the number of dead may still be revised, as officers recovered "what are believed to be human remains" that need additional analysis.
“It is my wish that people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” remarked one of the organisers, noting that the victims endured “many injustices.”
Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Fire
Authorities have earlier said the disaster at the estate, which was undergoing major renovations, was probably exacerbated by the installation of mesh that failed to comply with fire-resistance standards.
The fire reportedly quickly covered the exteriors of the buildings, which were wrapped in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and foam boards.
In response, the development chief on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings receiving substantial upkeep to take down the mesh by Saturday. This order is likely to impact approximately 200 structures across the city.
A Community Grieving
Grieving residents have continued to stream to a public garden near the charred buildings, placing countless flowers and messages of condolence for the victims. The youngest victim was just one year old, and the oldest 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 “connection,” allowing for “an exchange and the expression of grief through this silent bond” with those who were lost.
Fallout and Detentions
Residents of the only building not burned were allowed to go back shortly on Wednesday to collect personal items.
Officials stated that more than 2,900 residents have been provided with temporary housing.
Police have previously detained a total of 15 people, including construction company bosses, on charges related to manslaughter.
A further six have been taken into custody on a different charge, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which failed to work at the moment the fire started.
Appeals for Order and Caution
While the catastrophe has spurred widespread calls for accountability and change, officials are also monitoring for any unrest linked to the incident.
The chief executive has warned against crimes that “exploit the tragedy.”
In a different announcement, the national security office denounced what it called “outside agitators” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to stir up trouble and provoke disorder.”
The authority stated that “any actions or speech aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “all conspiracies to disrupt Hong Kong will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”
News outlets reportedly covered the detentions of several individuals over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for suspected sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted leaving police stations.
In a related development, a campus message board run by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A note placed on the board, which could still be seen behind barricades, said: “We are Hongkongers. We urge the government to address public demands so justice can be done.”
