Hong Kong authorities announced on Monday that investigations into a tragic fire that claimed the lives of at least 151 individuals revealed that some of the protective netting on scaffolding used during renovations did not meet fire safety standards. The fire, which started on Wednesday and was finally put out on Friday, originated on lower-level netting covering bamboo scaffolding at the Wang Fuk Court high-rise complex. Subsequently, flames spread inside the buildings as foam panels on windows ignited, causing the blaze to leap from one building to another covered in scaffolding and netting.
Initial assessments of the netting indicated compliance with regulations, but further examinations of 20 samples from various areas, including higher floors, found that seven samples failed safety standards. Hong Kong’s chief secretary, Eric Chan, stated that this suggested contractors cut corners to maximize profits, prioritizing financial gain over people’s safety.
Donations for the survivors of the fire had amassed 900 million Hong Kong dollars ($161 million Cdn) by Monday, with a constant flow of individuals offering tributes at a makeshift memorial near the burned buildings. Loretta Loh, one of the mourners, highlighted the community’s unity in times of crisis, stating, “When something happens, we come out to help each other. I have a heavy heart.”
The Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po housed around 4,600 residents. Hong Kong’s police force’s Disaster Victim Identification Unit had searched five of the affected buildings, with progress made in two more. Efforts are ongoing to assess the safety of the remaining buildings, especially the most severely damaged one that initially caught fire.
Private donations and government funds totaling 300 million Hong Kong dollars ($53.9 million Cdn) will be utilized to aid victims in rebuilding their homes and providing long-term support. Authorities have provided cash subsidies to survivors for various expenses, including funerals, and are actively working to secure housing solutions for them.
Residents had voiced concerns about the construction netting for nearly a year, with the Labour Department confirming 16 inspections of the renovation project since July 2024. Despite repeated warnings to contractors to adhere to fire safety standards, the tragic fire occurred just a week after the last inspection. Authorities have taken action against 13 individuals, including directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, in connection with the incident.
Amid growing questions regarding government accountability, dissent in Hong Kong remains constrained due to tightened restrictions following the 2019 protests against extradition to mainland China. The Office for Safeguarding National Security denounced alleged efforts to exploit the disaster for disruptive purposes. Notably, individuals involved in calling for government accountability have been arrested on charges of sedition and other offenses.
