Overview
- Authorities ordered citywide removal of exterior scaffolding mesh, saying netting at about 200 buildings would be stripped by Saturday.
- Laboratory checks found several scaffold-net samples non‑compliant, and investigators also flagged combustible foam panels and malfunctioning fire alarms as key factors in the rapid spread.
- Police report 21 arrests tied to the renovation and fire-safety work, including 15 on suspicion of manslaughter and six from a fire-alarm contractor on suspected fraud.
- Officials have invoked national-security language to warn against criticism, with reported detentions of student Miles Kwan, former district councillor Kenneth Cheung and a relief volunteer, and police moves to disband some donation hubs.
- Police say 140 of the 159 victims have been identified, ranging from ages 1 to 97, while the government pledges temporary housing for displaced residents and a HK$100,000 subsidy.