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The tragic death toll from the massive 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 Global Tragedy

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

Police officials have stated that the number of dead could still change, as investigators recovered "suspected human bones" that require further forensic testing.

“It is my wish that people can come here to lay their grief to rest,” remarked one of the organisers, noting that the victims suffered “a great deal of unfairness.”

Netting Blamed for Quick Escalation of Fire

Officials have previously stated the disaster at the housing complex, which was in the midst of significant repairs, was likely made worse by the use of netting that did not meet safety regulations.

The flames are said to have rapidly spread across the surfaces of the apartment blocks, which were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, safety mesh, and insulation panels.

In response, the secretary for development on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings receiving substantial upkeep to remove their netting by Saturday. This directive is expected to affect approximately 200 structures across the city.

A City in Mourning

Mourners have kept coming to a small park near the charred buildings, leaving hundreds of bouquets and messages of condolence for the victims. The most junior victim was just one year old, and the most senior was 97.

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

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

Fallout and Detentions

Occupants of the sole unaffected tower were allowed to go back shortly on Wednesday to retrieve belongings.

Authorities stated that more than 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 additional six people have been arrested on a separate allegation, concerning the estate’s safety alarms which failed to work at the time of the blaze.

Appeals for Order and Caution

While the catastrophe has led to widespread demands for responsibility and change, leaders are also monitoring for any public disturbance linked to the incident.

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

In a different announcement, the security authority denounced what it called “external hostile forces” that have “seized upon the disaster to stir up trouble and provoke disorder.”

The authority wrote that “any actions or speech 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.”

News outlets have covered the detentions of several individuals 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 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 barricades, read: “We are the people of Hong Kong. Urge the government to respond to public demands so fairness may prevail.”