Hong Kong: Hong Kong authorities are racing to remove scaffolding safety nets across the city after a major fire in Wang Fuk Court left at least 159 people dead and dozens injured. The fire, which broke out on November 26 in a residential complex undergoing renovation, spread quickly across the buildings. Officials say unsafe scaffolding mesh and flammable insulation materials helped fuel the flames.
More than 2,900 residents have been forced to leave their homes and are now staying in temporary shelters, hotels or community housing. Emergency teams continue to search for people who are still missing. Many of them are reported to be foreign domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines who lived in the buildings.
The government has ordered construction companies to remove all scaffolding nets by Saturday. Officials said the cost of this operation must be covered by contractors, not residents. New safety rules are expected soon, including mandatory certification for scaffolding nets and stricter oversight on renovation materials.
Investigators say some building contractors may have used cheaper, non flame retardant materials to cut costs. Fifteen construction company representatives and six fire safety contractors have been arrested on charges including manslaughter and fraud. The city leader John Lee has formed a judge led inquiry committee to study the cause of the fire and recommend reforms.
The disaster has triggered public anger and sorrow. Many residents have questioned why safety checks failed and why the building alarms did not function during the fire. Across Hong Kong, renovation works have slowed or stopped as other housing complexes check materials and safety equipment.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Families of victims and affected residents say they want accountability and long term safety reforms to prevent another tragedy.