The Hong Kong fire became the worst witnessed in nearly eight decades. Actually, a massive blaze tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po. Unfortunately, the incident killed at least 94 residents and left dozens more injured.
The fire began on Wednesday afternoon, which spread rapidly due to dense bamboo scaffolding and construction mesh covering the towers during renovation. In addition, the authority had confirmed that more than 4,600 residents lived across the eight-power estate. However, the true number of missing people remains unclear because communication was lost with around 279 people at one point.
How the Hong Kong Fire Started and Spread So Quickly
Authorities believed that the blaze originated on the external bamboo scaffolding wrapped around a 32-storey tower undergoing renovation. Moreover, strong winds with flammable construction materials, including netting and plastic sheeting, accelerated the spread to 7 out of the 8 towers.
Firefighters told the Hong Kong media that the behaviour of the fire was exceptionally fast. Hence, it leads to debris fall, extreme heat, and a blocked access route that complicates the rescue efforts. Below are the highlights of the incident:
- Over 70 injured, including 11 firefighters
- Nearly 900 people evacuated to temporary shelters
- Entire blocks charred into blackened ruins
Video footage showed flames shooting through windows while rescuers searched smoke-filled homes in the darkness.
Arrests and Criminal Investigation
The Hong Kong Police have arrested three people, including 2 company directors and 1 engineering consultant, on suspicion of manslaughter. Moreover, they are accused of the following allegations:
- Gross negligence
- Use of non-compliant, flammable materials
- Installing polystyrene foam panels near windows
- Using low-quality Chinese construction nets that reportedly burned rapidly
Authorities have also raided the office of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company to seize documentary evidence. Moreover, the anti-corruption agency of Hong Kong has launched a parallel investigation into the renovation project.
Debate: Was Bamboo Scaffolding to Blame?
The tragedy has sparked intense debate across Hong Kong and mainland China, as people are asking questions about “Why Hong Kong still uses bamboo scaffolding” on social media. However, experts have highlighted 2 major risks:
1. Bamboo’s Vertical Spread Pattern
It is true that Bamboo is light and flexible. However, it is inflammable in most cases. Hence, fire can climb upward like a ladder when poles run vertically along a high-rise structure.
2. Substandard Construction Nets
Many locals argue that the Bamboo is not a real culprit. Instead, they blame cheap Chinese-made construction mesh, tarpaulins, and plastic sheets that ignited and melted within seconds.
On the other side, Alexx Webb told the media that fires are likely to result from the combination of factors, like plastic encapsulation, foam insulation, bamboo poles, and flammable scaffolding nets.
Eyewitness Accounts: Fear, Confusion, and Loss
- Lawrence Lee, waiting in a shelter, said his wife was trapped after smoke filled the corridors.
- Elderly residents Winter and Sandy Chung described sparks falling around them as they evacuated.
- Hundreds spent the night without sleep, unsure whether their homes—and families—had survived.
- Even Pope Leo XIV extended prayers, expressing grief for victims and emergency workers.
What Happens Next?
The Hong Kong government has created a special task force and ordered the following tasks:
- Immediate inspection of all renovation sites
- Review of bamboo scaffolding use
- Potential shift to metal scaffolding. However, it is already mandated for 50% of new public works.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan acknowledged that the low flame resistance of bamboo might no longer be accepted in modern urban environments.
Conclusion
The Hong Kong fire is more than just a reminder, as it is a reminder for stricter construction oversight, safer materials, and accountability. In addition, families are now waiting for answers as the rescue operation concluded and the investigation deepened. Moreover, the global community has highlighted the tragedy that happened in one of the most advanced cities in Asia.
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