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The tragic number of fatalities from the massive residential block blaze in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, as authorities have mandated the removal of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.

A Fatal Inferno Which Has Become a Worldwide Disaster

The fire that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the north 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 could still change, as officers recovered "what are believed to be human remains" that need further forensic testing.

“It is my wish that people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” said a volunteer organiser, adding that the victims endured “a great deal of unfairness.”

Netting Blamed for Quick Escalation of Fire

Authorities have earlier said the tragedy at the estate, which was undergoing major renovations, was probably exacerbated by the use of netting that failed to comply with safety regulations.

The flames reportedly rapidly spread across the surfaces of the buildings, which were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, safety mesh, and foam boards.

In reaction, the development chief 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 public garden near the fire-damaged buildings, placing hundreds of bouquets and notes of remembrance for the victims. The most junior victim was just one year old, and the oldest was 97.

Sections of the park were decorated 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 expression of grief through this silent bond” with those who perished.

Fallout and Detentions

Occupants of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to return home briefly 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 construction company bosses, on charges related to manslaughter.

A further six have been taken into custody on a different charge, concerning the estate’s fire alarms which malfunctioned at the moment the fire started.

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the catastrophe has spurred widespread demands for responsibility and change, leaders are also watching out for any unrest linked to the incident.

The chief executive has warned against crimes 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 incite chaos.”

The office stated that “all acts and words aimed at destabilising Hong Kong 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 leaving police stations.

In a related development, a university noticeboard operated by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A message stuck to the board, which remained visible behind barriers, read: “We are Hongkongers. We urge the government to address public demands so justice can be done.”