Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 159 as officials order citywide scaffolding net removal

"The death toll in Hong Kong's apartment complex fire has risen to 159 as officials ordered all scaffolding mesh in the city to be removed by Saturday. The blaze that last week engulfed Wang Fuk Court in the city's northern Tai Po district has become the world's deadliest residential building fire since 1980. Police said the number of dead may still be revised as officers had found suspected human bones that required forensic testing."

"Authorities earlier said the blaze on the estate, which was undergoing major renovations, was likely made worse by the use of netting that did not meet fire-resistance standards. Flames quickly covered the surfaces of the apartment blocks, which were wrapped with bamboo scaffolding, protective netting and foam boards. The secretary for development, Bernadette Linn, on Wednesday ordered all Hong Kong buildings undergoing major maintenance to remove their netting by Saturday."

"Mourners have continued to stream to a small park near the charred buildings, placing hundreds of bouquets and notes of remembrance for the victims the youngest of whom was a one-year-old, and the oldest 97. I hope people can come here to lay their grief to rest, said Sarah Lam, a volunteer organiser of the memorial events, adding that the victims suffered many injustices. I hope the truth is uncovered swiftly so they don't need to depart this world bearing such undeserved grievances, she said."

The death toll from the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex fire in Tai Po has reached 159, with police warning the number may change after suspected human bones require forensic testing. The estate was undergoing major renovations and flames spread rapidly across bamboo scaffolding, protective netting and foam boards that did not meet fire-resistance standards. The secretary for development ordered all scaffolding netting on buildings undergoing major maintenance removed by Saturday, an action expected to affect about 200 buildings. Mourners placed hundreds of bouquets and notes in a nearby park; volunteers organised memorials and provided origami cranes and paper for prayers. More than 2,900 residents received temporary housing.

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