Hong Kong Mandates Scaffolding Mesh Removal Following Fatal High-Rise Fire
Hong Kong authorities have issued an order for the removal of scaffolding mesh from buildings undergoing renovations, effective by Saturday. This directive follows an investigation into a fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which resulted in 159 confirmed fatalities and 31 individuals currently reported missing.
Investigation Findings and Regulatory Response
Investigators determined that protective netting utilized around the Wang Fuk Court complex, which was undergoing extensive renovations, failed to comply with flame retardant standards. Officials reported that the fire spread rapidly across the separate tower blocks via this protective mesh netting and other flammable materials on the exterior of the structures.
In response, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho announced that new guidelines for testing materials used in scaffolding would be issued next week. Linn stated that the accountability of contractors employing substandard scaffolding mesh would be pursued, and samples have been collected for testing.
Scope of the Removal Order
Approximately 200 private residential buildings and 10 public buildings in Hong Kong are currently undergoing renovations. The removal order is anticipated to impact around 300 buildings across the territory.
Police Investigation and Search Efforts
Police have made at least 15 arrests on suspicion of manslaughter as part of the ongoing investigation into the fire's cause. Authorities have concluded searches of the interiors of all seven towers within the Wang Fuk Court complex. Search efforts are now focused on other parts of the buildings, including remnants of bamboo scaffolding, to locate additional bodies. Police Commissioner Joe Chow confirmed that searches would continue in areas where bamboo scaffolding had fallen.
Of the 159 bodies recovered to date, 140 have been identified. These include 49 males and 91 females, with ages ranging from one to 97.