The devastating number of fatalities from the major apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has now reached 159, as authorities have mandated the taking down of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.
A Deadly Blaze Which Has Become a Worldwide Disaster
The blaze that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district last week now is considered the world’s deadliest residential building fire to occur since 1980.
Police officials have indicated that the number of dead could still change, as investigators discovered "what are believed to be human remains" that need further forensic testing.
“I hope people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” said a volunteer organiser, adding that the victims endured “many injustices.”
Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Flames
Officials have earlier said the tragedy at the estate, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was likely made worse by the installation of mesh that did not meet fire-resistance standards.
The flames are said to have rapidly spread across the surfaces of the apartment blocks, which were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and foam boards.
In reaction, the secretary for development on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to take down the mesh 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 fire-damaged 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 paper cranes, and helpers distributed 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
Residents of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to go back shortly on Wednesday to collect personal items.
Authorities stated that more than 2,900 residents have been given short-term accommodation.
Police have earlier arrested a group of fifteen individuals, including construction company bosses, on suspicion of manslaughter.
A further six have been taken into custody on a different charge, concerning the estate’s safety alarms which malfunctioned at the moment the fire started.
Calls for Calm and Warnings
While the disaster has spurred widespread calls for accountability and reform, leaders are also watching out for any unrest linked to the incident.
The chief executive has cautions about crimes that “exploit the tragedy.”
In a different announcement, the security authority denounced what it called “outside agitators” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to stir up trouble and incite chaos.”
The authority wrote that “any actions or speech aimed at undermining the city’s stability will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “any plots to cause disruption will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”
News outlets 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 subsequently spotted leaving police stations.
In a connected event, a campus message board operated by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A message placed on the board, which could still be seen behind barricades, read: “We are Hongkongers. Urge the government to address public demands so fairness may prevail.”
