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The tragic death toll from the massive residential block blaze in Hong Kong has climbed to 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 blaze that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district last week now is considered the world’s deadliest residential building fire recorded since 1980.

Police officials have stated that the fatality count may still be revised, as investigators recovered "suspected human bones" that need further forensic testing.

“I hope people can come here to find a place for their sorrow,” remarked a volunteer organiser, adding that the victims endured “many injustices.”

Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Flames

Officials have previously stated the disaster at the estate, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was probably exacerbated by the installation of mesh that did not meet fire-resistance standards.

The flames are said to have quickly covered the surfaces of the buildings, which were wrapped in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and foam boards.

In response, the secretary for development on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to take down the mesh by Saturday. This order is expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.

A Community Grieving

Grieving residents have kept coming to a public garden near the charred buildings, leaving hundreds of bouquets and notes of remembrance for the victims. The youngest victim was just one year old, and the most senior was 97.

Sections of the park were adorned with lines of colourful origami cranes, and helpers distributed 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 perished.

Fallout and Detentions

Occupants of the only building not burned were allowed to return home briefly on Wednesday to collect personal items.

Officials stated that more than 2,900 residents have been given temporary housing.

Law enforcement have previously detained a group of fifteen individuals, including construction company bosses, on suspicion of manslaughter.

A further six have been arrested on a separate allegation, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which failed to work at the time of the blaze.

Calls for Calm and Warnings

While the disaster has led to widespread demands for responsibility and reform, officials are also watching out for any unrest connected with the incident.

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

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

The office wrote that “all acts and words 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 have covered the detentions of several individuals over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for alleged sedition. Both men were later seen departing from custody.

In a related development, a university noticeboard operated by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A message placed on the board, which remained visible behind barricades, said: “We are the people of Hong Kong. Urge the government to address public demands so fairness may prevail.”