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The tragic death toll from the major apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, while authorities have ordered the removal of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.

A Deadly Blaze That Became a Worldwide Disaster

The fire that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now is considered the most fatal apartment block blaze recorded since 1980.

Law enforcement have indicated that the fatality count may still be revised, as investigators recovered "what are believed to be human remains" that need additional analysis.

“I hope people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” remarked a volunteer organiser, adding that the victims endured “many injustices.”

Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Fire

Officials have earlier said the disaster at the housing complex, which was undergoing major renovations, was probably exacerbated by the installation of mesh that failed to comply with fire-resistance standards.

The flames reportedly quickly covered the exteriors of the buildings, which were wrapped in scaffolding poles, protective netting, and foam boards.

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

A Community Grieving

Grieving residents have kept coming to a public garden near the fire-damaged buildings, leaving countless flowers and notes of remembrance for the victims. The youngest victim was just one year old, and the oldest was 97.

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

One young man, characterised the location as a “bridge,” allowing for “an exchange and the sharing of sorrow through this silent bond” with those who perished.

Fallout and Detentions

Residents of the sole unaffected tower were permitted to go back shortly on Wednesday to collect personal items.

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

Law enforcement have previously detained a group of fifteen individuals, including building firm executives, on suspicion of manslaughter.

A further six have been arrested on a different charge, concerning the estate’s safety alarms which malfunctioned at the time of the blaze.

Calls for Calm and Warnings

While the disaster has led to widespread calls for accountability and reform, officials are also watching out for any public disturbance linked to the incident.

The chief executive has warned against actions that “exploit the tragedy.”

In a separate statement, the security authority condemned what it called “outside agitators” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to create unrest and provoke disorder.”

The authority wrote that “all acts and words aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “all conspiracies to disrupt Hong Kong will have no place to hide.”

Local media have detailed the detentions of a number of people over the weekend, including a 24-year-old student and a former district councillor, for suspected sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted leaving police stations.

In a related development, a campus message board run by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A message stuck to the board, which could still be seen behind barriers, said: “We are Hongkongers. We urge the government to respond to public demands so fairness may prevail.”