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The devastating death toll from the massive residential block blaze in Hong Kong has now reached 159, as authorities have ordered the taking down of all protective netting across the city by this Saturday.

A Deadly Blaze That Became a Global Tragedy

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

Law enforcement have stated that the number of dead may still be revised, as investigators discovered "what are believed to be human remains" that require further forensic testing.

“I hope people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” said one of the organisers, adding that the victims endured “many injustices.”

Netting Blamed for Rapid Spread of Fire

Authorities have previously stated the tragedy at the housing complex, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely made worse by the use of netting that did not meet fire-resistance standards.

The fire are said to have quickly covered the surfaces of the buildings, which were encased in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and insulation panels.

In response, the development chief on Wednesday instructed all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday. This order is expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.

A Community Grieving

Mourners have kept coming to a public garden near the charred buildings, leaving hundreds of bouquets and messages of condolence for the victims. The youngest victim was a one-year-old, and the oldest was 97.

Areas within the park were adorned with lines of colourful origami cranes, and volunteers handed out paper and pens to visitors.

One young man, characterised the location as a “connection,” allowing for “communication and the sharing of sorrow through this silent bond” with those who were lost.

Fallout and Detentions

Residents of the sole unaffected tower were permitted to return home briefly on Wednesday to collect personal items.

Officials stated that over 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 different charge, concerning the estate’s safety alarms which malfunctioned at the time of the blaze.

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the disaster has spurred widespread calls for accountability and reform, leaders are also monitoring for any public disturbance connected with the incident.

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

In a separate statement, the national security office denounced 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 undermining the city’s stability will be recorded and pursued for life,” and that “all conspiracies to cause disruption will have nowhere to conceal themselves.”

Local media have detailed the detentions of several individuals over the weekend, including a 24-year-old student and a ex-local representative, for alleged sedition. Both men were subsequently spotted departing from custody.

In a related development, a campus message board operated by a student union was sealed off on Wednesday. A note placed on the board, which could still be seen behind barriers, read: “We are the people of Hong Kong. We urge the government to respond to public requests so fairness may prevail.”