Hong Kong authorities announced on Monday that their inquiry into a tragic fire that claimed the lives of at least 151 individuals uncovered deficiencies in the safety standards of the netting on scaffolding used during renovations. The fire, which started last Wednesday and was fully contained by Friday, originated on the lower-level netting covering bamboo scaffolding surrounding a building in the Wang Fuk Court high-rise complex. It quickly spread as foam panels on windows ignited, causing glass to shatter. The flames were carried by the wind from building to building, all of which were enveloped in scaffolding and netting, with seven out of eight structures catching fire.
Initial tests indicated that the netting met safety regulations; however, thorough investigations revealed that seven out of 20 samples collected from various areas, including higher floors, failed to comply with safety standards. Eric Chan, Hong Kong’s chief secretary, condemned the contractors for cutting corners to maximize profits at the expense of people’s lives.
Donations for the survivors of the tragic fire had reached 900 million Hong Kong dollars ($161 million Cdn) by Monday. A memorial near the affected buildings saw a continuous flow of people leaving flowers, cards, and other tributes. Loretta Loh, a visitor to the site, emphasized the community’s unity in times of adversity.
The Wang Fuk Court complex, situated in the Tai Po suburb, housed approximately 4,600 residents. Authorities reported that the Disaster Victim Identification Unit of the Hong Kong police force had finished searching five of the burned buildings, with progress ongoing in the remaining two. Rescue teams were evaluating the safety of the other buildings, including the most severely damaged structure where the fire originated.
In efforts to aid victims in rebuilding their lives, private donations and 300 million Hong Kong dollars ($53.9 million Cdn) from the government will be utilized. The government is also providing cash assistance to survivors for various expenses, such as funerals, and is working to secure temporary housing solutions. Currently, 683 residents have been accommodated in local hotels and hostels, while another 1,144 have moved into transitional housing units. Two emergency shelters remain open for those in need.
Residents had expressed concerns about the construction netting for nearly a year, with the Labour Department confirming 16 inspections of the renovation project since July 2024. The department had repeatedly cautioned contractors in writing to adhere to fire safety requirements, even conducting a final inspection a week before the fire broke out.
Thirteen individuals, including directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, have been arrested by Hong Kong’s anti-corruption authorities and police. Questions have arisen regarding the accountability of government officials in the wake of the tragedy, although dissent in Hong Kong has been restricted since the 2019 protests against extradition to mainland China. The Office for Safeguarding National Security condemned alleged attempts to exploit the disaster for disruptive purposes without providing specific details.
Over the weekend, the arrest of a petition organizer advocating for government responsibility and two others, including a volunteer aiding fire victims, sparked further controversy. The police refrained from commenting on the arrests, citing adherence to the law in their actions.
