Hong Kong authorities have issued an urgent directive requiring the removal of all scaffolding netting from renovation sites by Saturday following the territory’s most devastating fire in decades. The catastrophic blaze at Wang Fuk Court housing complex has now claimed 159 lives, with 31 individuals still unaccounted for as search operations continue.
Investigations reveal that the protective netting surrounding the complex, which was undergoing extensive renovations, failed to meet flame retardancy standards. The highly flammable material enabled flames to spread rapidly across multiple tower blocks, creating what survivors described as an uncontrollable inferno.
Development Secretary Bernadette Linn Hon-ho announced that new testing guidelines for scaffolding materials will be implemented next week. “I assure the public that we will chase to the end the accountability of any contractors using substandard scaffolding mesh,” Linn stated, confirming that samples have already been collected for comprehensive analysis.
The removal order affects approximately 300 buildings across Hong Kong, including 200 private residential structures and 10 public buildings currently undergoing renovations. Police have made at least 15 arrests for manslaughter as the criminal investigation progresses.
Police Commissioner Joe Chow reported that search teams have completed interior examinations of all seven towers but continue recovery efforts in areas obscured by collapsed bamboo scaffolding. To date, 140 victims have been identified—49 males and 91 females ranging from one to 97 years old.
Survivors recounted the horror of watching flames engulf building after building. “It all happened within just an hour or two,” said a woman identified only as Leung, who lost her home in the disaster. “The bamboo scaffolding cracked and there was banging that sounded like exploding windows. The flames were completely out of control.
Her daughter Bonnie expressed the family’s hope for accountability: “We also hope the truth will come out—whether there were hidden hands behind this, corruption or any improper dealings.”