Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to ensure justice is served following a devastating fire that killed more than 150 people at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex last week. Authorities are investigating construction companies for allegedly using substandard mesh netting on scaffolding, which may have accelerated the spread of the blaze.
Chief Executive John Lee said an independent judicial committee would probe the cause of the fire and the rapidity of its spread, promising “systematic reform” and accountability for those responsible. The death toll remains at 151, with at least 30 still missing, after the fire tore through seven high-rise blocks that were home to over 4,000 residents, many elderly.
A total of 14 people, including contractors, consultants, and subcontractors involved in the renovation work, have been arrested, with 13 under investigation for “manslaughter by gross negligence.” A corruption probe is also underway, linked to the purchase of non-compliant netting that replaced damaged materials from a typhoon in July. Officials revealed that substandard mesh and polystyrene boards used to block windows contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
Recovery efforts continue with roughly 600 disaster victim identification specialists combing through the ruins of apartments, staircases, and rooftops. Authorities warned that some remains may never be recovered due to the intensity of the blaze.
Among the victims were elderly residents, foreign domestic helpers from Indonesia and the Philippines, construction workers, and a firefighter. The city has mourned the tragedy, with hundreds of residents laying flowers at the site and leaving messages of solidarity. Donations totaling 900 million Hong Kong dollars ($115 million) have been contributed by businesses and the community, along with food and supplies distributed to affected families.
Authorities have also warned against attempts to politicize the disaster. Three individuals, including one suspected of incitement related to an online petition calling for an independent inquiry, were arrested under national security measures. Lee emphasized that Hong Kong would not tolerate any exploitation of the tragedy for political purposes.
Officials are now collecting safety samples from 300 construction sites using similar netting, and orders have been issued to remove unsafe materials from other buildings to prevent further disasters.
