Deadly Hong Kong Housing Complex Fire Sparks Public Outrage Over Safety Regulations

Public outrage has erupted in Hong Kong following a devastating fire that broke out at a densely populated housing complex on Wednesday, claiming 128 lives. Many people remain unaccounted for. The blaze began in the middle of the afternoon at one of the eight towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex, rapidly spreading from one building to the next as bamboo scaffolding covered in netting, installed for renovations, caught fire until seven structures were engulfed.

It took more than 1,000 firefighters a full 24 hours to get the fire under control. Nearly two days later, smoke continued to emanate from the charred remains of the buildings due to occasional flare-ups. The residential complex contained approximately 2,000 apartments with around 4,800 residents.

During a press conference on Thursday, Hong Kong's leader John Lee announced that the government would establish a fund to assist residents and mentioned that the city's development bureau had discussed replacing bamboo scaffolding with metal alternatives.

However, according to a report by The Guardian on Thursday, citizens believe that Lee's focus on blaming the bamboo scaffolding diverts attention from the actual cause of Wednesday's fire.

There is significant anger that bamboo has been highlighted as a potential fire accelerant. The report noted that by Thursday afternoon, much of the bamboo scaffolding remained standing, while the green mesh between the poles had been completely incinerated.

Michael Mo, a former Hong Kong district councillor, stated that residents of Wang Fuk Court had been complaining for months about unprofessional behavior from the construction company.

In 2024, an email allegedly from the Labour Department was shared in a Wang Fuk Court residents group. Responding to inquiries about the maintenance works, the email indicated that since the works did not involve open flames, "the risk of fire from the scaffolding is relatively low."

The email also mentioned that the Labour Department's regulations did not include flame-retardant standards for scaffolding.

On the second night following the massive fire, survivors set up mattresses in a nearby mall, with many stating that official evacuation centers should be reserved for those in greater need, according to a Reuters report.

From elderly individuals to school-aged children, survivors wrapped themselves in duvets and gathered in tents outside a McDonald's restaurant and convenience stores while volunteers distributed snacks and toiletries.