A devastating fire at a residential complex in Hong Kong has become the city's deadliest building blaze in decades, with the death toll rising to 65 on Thursday. Rescue teams continue the grim search for nearly 300 people who remain missing.
Inferno in a High-Rise
The fire erupted at the Wang Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po district, a high-rise apartment housing thousands. Flames rapidly consumed the upper floors of the building, which was undergoing renovation and was fully encased in bamboo scaffolding and green construction netting. Video from the scene showed terrifying images of fire leaping from at least two of the towers shrouded in the green mesh.
While the exact cause is still under investigation, authorities believe the fire started in the scaffolding before spreading with frightening speed across seven of the complex's eight buildings. The presence of highly flammable materials, including plastic netting and Styrofoam panels used as window coverings, are considered key factors in the fire's rapid escalation.
Scrutiny on Bamboo Scaffolding
The tragedy has shifted the focus onto the widespread use of bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong's construction industry. This traditional method involves poles lashed together with wire and is favoured for several reasons:
- It is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to transport.
- It is considered easier to install and remove in tight urban spaces.
- In case of a collapse, bamboo poles are seen as less dangerous than heavy metal alternatives.
- These poles are typically imported from Zhaoxing.
Despite its prevalence, with about 2,500 registered bamboo scaffolders in the city, Hong Kong has been moving towards phasing out its use. This disaster has now ignited a fierce public debate about its safety.
Aftermath and Official Probe
In the wake of the catastrophe, a multi-pronged investigation is underway. Police Superintendent Eileen Chung stated that there is reason to believe the company's responsible parties were grossly negligent, leading to the accident. Police have already arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the fire site.
Adding another layer to the probe, Hong Kong's anti-corruption body has launched an investigation into the renovation work at the housing complex. The city is now left to mourn its profound loss while confronting urgent questions about construction safety standards and the materials used in its dense urban landscape.
