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The tragic death toll from the major apartment complex fire in Hong Kong has climbed to 159, as city officials have mandated the removal of all scaffolding mesh across the city by this Saturday.

A Fatal Inferno Which Has Become a Worldwide Disaster

The blaze that swept through Wang Fuk Court in the north Tai Po district last week now is considered the world’s deadliest apartment block blaze recorded since 1980.

Law enforcement have indicated that the number of dead could still change, as officers recovered "suspected human bones" that require further forensic testing.

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

Scaffolding Material Cited for Rapid Spread of Fire

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

The fire reportedly quickly covered the exteriors of the apartment blocks, which were wrapped in scaffolding poles, safety mesh, and insulation panels.

In response, the secretary for development on Wednesday instructed all Hong Kong buildings receiving substantial upkeep 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 small park near the charred buildings, leaving countless flowers and messages of condolence for the victims. The most junior victim was just one year old, and the most senior was 97.

Areas within the park were decorated with rows of colourful origami cranes, and volunteers distributed paper and pens to visitors.

One 26-year-old visitor, characterised the location as a “connection,” allowing for “communication and the sharing of sorrow through this silent bond” with those who perished.

Aftermath and Arrests

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

Authorities stated that over 2,900 residents have been provided with temporary housing.

Law enforcement have previously detained a total of 15 people, including construction company bosses, on suspicion of manslaughter.

A further six have been arrested on a separate allegation, 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 change, leaders are also watching out for any unrest connected with the incident.

The chief executive has cautions about actions that “take advantage of the disaster.”

In a different announcement, the security authority denounced what it called “outside agitators” that have “taken advantage of the disaster to create unrest and incite chaos.”

The authority stated that “any actions or speech aimed at destabilising Hong Kong will be documented and investigated indefinitely,” and that “any plots to cause disruption will have no place to hide.”

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