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The devastating number of fatalities from the massive residential block blaze in Hong Kong has now reached 159, while authorities have mandated the taking down of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.

A Deadly Blaze That Became a Global Tragedy

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 to occur since 1980.

Police officials have stated that the number of dead could still change, as officers recovered "what are believed to be human remains" that require further forensic testing.

“It is my wish that people can come here to find a place for their sorrow,” remarked one of the organisers, noting that the victims endured “many injustices.”

Scaffolding Material Cited for Rapid Spread of Flames

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

The fire are said to have rapidly spread across the surfaces of the buildings, which were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and insulation panels.

In reaction, the secretary for development on Wednesday instructed all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday. This directive is likely to impact approximately 200 structures across the city.

A City in Mourning

Mourners have continued to stream to a small park near the fire-damaged buildings, leaving countless flowers and messages of condolence for the victims. The most junior victim was just one year old, and the most senior was 97.

Areas within the park were adorned with lines of paper cranes, and helpers distributed paper and pens to visitors.

One young man, characterised the location as a “bridge,” allowing for “communication and the sharing of sorrow through this unspoken connection” with those who were lost.

Aftermath and Arrests

Residents of the only building not burned were permitted to return home briefly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.

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

Police have previously detained a total of 15 people, including construction company bosses, on suspicion of manslaughter.

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

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the disaster has spurred widespread calls for accountability and reform, officials are also monitoring for any unrest connected with the incident.

The city leader has warned against actions that “take advantage of the disaster.”

In a separate statement, the security authority denounced what it called “outside agitators” that have “taken advantage of 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 disrupt Hong Kong will have no place to hide.”

Local media reportedly covered the arrests of a number of people over the weekend, including a university student and a ex-local representative, for suspected sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted departing from custody.

In a related development, a university noticeboard run by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A note stuck to the board, which could still be seen behind barriers, read: “We are the people of Hong Kong. We urge the government to address public demands so fairness may prevail.”