The devastating number of fatalities from the massive residential block blaze in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, while city officials have ordered the removal of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.
A Fatal Inferno 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 recorded since 1980.
Law enforcement have indicated that the number of dead 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 a volunteer organiser, noting that the victims suffered “many injustices.”
Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Fire
Authorities have previously stated the disaster at the estate, which was undergoing major renovations, was probably exacerbated by the installation of mesh that did not meet fire-resistance standards.
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 secretary for development on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday. This directive is expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.
A City in Mourning
Grieving residents have kept coming to a small park near the charred buildings, placing hundreds of bouquets and messages of condolence for the victims. The most junior victim was just one year old, and the oldest was 97.
Sections of the park were decorated with rows of colourful origami cranes, and volunteers handed out paper and pens to visitors.
One young man, 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
Occupants of the only building not burned were allowed to go back shortly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.
Officials stated that over 2,900 residents have been provided with short-term accommodation.
Law enforcement 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.
Calls for Calm and Warnings
While the disaster has spurred widespread calls for accountability and change, leaders are also monitoring for any unrest connected with the incident.
The chief executive has cautions about crimes that “exploit the tragedy.”
In a separate statement, the national security office condemned what it called “outside agitators” that have “seized upon the disaster to create unrest and provoke disorder.”
The authority stated that “any actions or speech aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “any plots to cause disruption will have no place to hide.”
News outlets reportedly covered the arrests of a number of people over the weekend, including a university student and a ex-local representative, for alleged sedition. Both men were later seen departing from custody.
In a connected event, a university noticeboard run by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A note stuck to the board, which remained visible behind barricades, read: “We are Hongkongers. We urge the government to respond to public requests so justice can be done.”
