The tragic number of fatalities from the major residential block blaze in Hong Kong has now reached 159, while city officials have ordered the removal of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.
A Fatal Inferno That Became a Worldwide Disaster
The fire that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district last week now is considered the most fatal apartment block blaze to occur since 1980.
Law enforcement have stated that the fatality count could still change, as officers discovered "suspected human bones" that require 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 “a great deal of unfairness.”
Scaffolding Material Cited for Rapid Spread of Flames
Authorities have earlier said the tragedy at the housing complex, which was undergoing major renovations, was probably exacerbated by the use of netting that failed to comply with fire-resistance standards.
The flames reportedly quickly covered the surfaces of the buildings, which were encased in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and insulation panels.
In reaction, the development chief on Wednesday instructed 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 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 most senior was 97.
Sections of the park were adorned with rows of paper cranes, and volunteers 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
Occupants of the sole unaffected tower were permitted to go back shortly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.
Authorities stated that more than 2,900 residents have been given 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 arrested on a different charge, concerning the estate’s safety 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, leaders are also monitoring for any public disturbance linked to the incident.
The city leader has warned against actions that “take advantage of the disaster.”
In a different announcement, the national security office condemned what it called “external hostile forces” that have “seized upon the disaster to stir up trouble and provoke disorder.”
The office wrote that “any actions or speech aimed at undermining the city’s stability will be documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “all conspiracies to cause disruption will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”
Local media have detailed the arrests of several individuals over the weekend, including a university student and a former district councillor, for alleged sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted departing from custody.
In a related development, a campus message board run by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A note stuck to the board, which could still be seen behind barricades, said: “We are the people of Hong Kong. Urge the government to respond to public demands so justice can be done.”
