Hong Kong — As the confirmed death toll from the Hong Kong apartment complex fire climbed to at least 151 on Monday, officials said their investigation into the blaze had found that mesh used to covered scaffolding for ongoing renovations was not up to fire-safety codes.

Frustration over what appears to have been clear safety lapses ahead of the devastating fire — which took more than two days to extinguish as it engulfed seven of the complex's eight towers — was being met with government moves to stifle criticism.

Initial tests of the netting that had enshrouded the scaffolding showed it met safety regulations, but Hong Kong officials said Monday that investigators had since gained access to more areas to collect samples, including from higher floors.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary

See Full Page