HONG KONG, CHINA – Hong Kong officials announced Monday that an investigation into the deadly blaze that killed at least 151 people revealed that some of the netting used on scaffolding during renovations did not meet fire-safety standards. The fire, which began on Wednesday and took until Friday to be fully extinguished, originated on lower-level scaffolding netting at the Wang Fuk Court high-rise complex and quickly spread as flames ignited foam panels covering windows, shattering glass, and carrying the fire to adjacent buildings. Seven of the eight high-rises in the complex were affected.
Initial testing suggested the netting was compliant, but subsequent inspections of 20 samples from across the buildings showed seven failed to meet safety standards, indicating contractors may have cut corners to save money, according to Hong Kong Chief Secretary Eric Chan. Authorities described the negligence as putting profit above human lives. Donations for survivors have reached 900 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $115 million), while flowers, cards, and other tributes continue to accumulate at a memorial near the burned-out buildings. Approximately 4,600 residents lived in the complex.
Recovery efforts are ongoing. Police Disaster Victim Identification teams have searched five buildings and are making partial progress in the remaining two, with eight additional bodies recovered on Monday. Dozens of people remain missing, some likely among 39 bodies yet to be identified. Government and private aid, including 300 million Hong Kong dollars ($38.5 million) in start-up funding, will support rebuilding efforts and provide long-term assistance, including cash subsidies and transitional housing. By Monday, 683 residents had been relocated to hotels and hostels, and another 1,144 moved into temporary housing units, with two emergency shelters remaining open.
Residents had voiced concerns about the construction netting for nearly a year, and the Labor Department confirmed 16 inspections had been conducted since July 2024, with multiple written warnings to contractors to meet fire-safety requirements. Hong Kong’s anti-corruption authorities and police have arrested 14 people, including directors and an engineering consultant from the construction company. Some members of the public have questioned whether government officials should also bear responsibility.
Authorities have moved to limit criticism, citing national security concerns. Officials have denounced the spread of false information about the fire and taken action against individuals organizing petitions or volunteering to assist survivors, with arrests reported on suspicion of sedition. Analysts say the government’s response reflects a strategy similar to mainland China’s, restricting public dissent and preempting protests. Since the 2019 mass demonstrations against extradition legislation, Hong Kong has curtailed large-scale protests and barred opposition figures from running in legislative elections, effectively limiting avenues for public criticism.