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The tragic number of fatalities from the major apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, as authorities have ordered the taking down of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.

A Deadly Blaze That Became a Worldwide Disaster

The fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now stands as the most fatal apartment block blaze to occur since 1980.

Law enforcement have stated that the fatality count could still change, as investigators discovered "what are believed to be human remains" that need further forensic testing.

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

Scaffolding Material Cited for Rapid Spread of Fire

Officials have earlier said 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 fire are said to have quickly covered the surfaces of the buildings, which were encased in scaffolding poles, protective netting, and foam boards.

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 expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.

A City in Mourning

Grieving residents have continued to stream to a small park near the charred buildings, placing countless flowers and notes of remembrance for the victims. The youngest victim was a one-year-old, and the most senior was 97.

Sections of the park were adorned with rows of colourful origami cranes, and volunteers handed out paper and pens to visitors.

One 26-year-old visitor, described the location as a “connection,” allowing for “an exchange and the expression of grief through this unspoken connection” with those who perished.

Fallout and Detentions

Residents of the only building not burned were permitted to go back shortly on Wednesday to collect personal items.

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

Police have earlier arrested a group of fifteen individuals, including building firm executives, on charges related to 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 catastrophe has spurred widespread calls for accountability and change, officials are also watching out for any public disturbance linked to the incident.

The chief executive has warned against actions that “take advantage of the disaster.”

In a separate statement, the national security office denounced what it called “outside agitators” that have “seized upon the disaster to stir up trouble and incite chaos.”

The authority wrote that “any actions or speech aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “any plots to cause disruption will have no place to hide.”

News outlets reportedly detailed 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 leaving police stations.

In a connected event, a university noticeboard run by a student union was blocked off on Wednesday. A note stuck to the board, which remained visible behind barricades, said: “We are the people of Hong Kong. Urge the government to respond to public demands so justice can be done.”