Authorities in Hong Kong have ordered the removal of scaffolding mesh from buildings undergoing renovations by Saturday, as investigations continue into the Chinese territory's deadliest blaze in decades.
It is now known that 159 people died as a result of the fire last Wednesday at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex - with 31 still missing.
Investigators have found that a protective netting used around the complex, which had been undergoing extensive renovations, failed to meet flame retardant standards.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said new guidelines for testing materials used in scaffolding would be issued next week.
Around 200 private residential and 10 public buildings are currently undergoing renovations in Hong Kong. The South China Morning Post reports that about 300 buildings will be affected by the removal order.
I assure the public that we will chase to the end the accountability of any contractors using substandard scaffolding mesh, Linn was quoted as saying.
At Wang Fuk Court, flames spread quickly across the separate tower blocks on protective mesh netting and other flammable materials on the outside of the buildings, officials said.
The police have made at least 15 arrests for manslaughter as the investigation into the cause of the fire proceeds. Police Commissioner Joe Chow noted that 140 of the 159 bodies recovered so far have been identified, covering ages from one to 97 years old.
The tragedy has led to profound community grief and calls for thorough investigations.
One resident reflected, It all happened within just an hour or two. I stood there watching as one block after another went up in flames; it was terrifying. The community now seeks truth and accountability as the investigation unfolds.
