Probe Finds Unsafe Scaffolding Netting After Deadly Hong Kong Blaze as Authorities Crack Down on Critics

Investigators say some of the scaffolding netting used in renovations at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po failed fire-safety standards after a blaze that killed at least 151 people and burned for days. Officials reported that seven of 20 netting samples did not meet safety codes, and authorities have launched criminal probes and arrests tied to the construction project.

The fire began on lower-level netting wrapped around bamboo scaffolding on one tower and spread quickly when foam window panels ignited and glass was blown out. Strong winds carried flames between towers; seven of the complex's eight high-rise buildings that were wrapped in netting were engulfed. The blaze began Wednesday and was not fully extinguished until Friday.

Eric Chan, Chief Secretary: "They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives."

Initial tests suggested the netting met code, but later sampling across multiple floors found safety failures, officials said. Hong Kong's Labor Department confirmed inspectors had carried out 16 checks on the renovation project since July 2024 and had repeatedly warned contractors in writing to comply with fire-safety requirements; the most recent inspection occurred only a week before the fire.

Recovery teams have made partial progress searching the damaged towers. Police Disaster Victim Identification units searched five buildings and continued work in the remaining two; authorities recovered eight more bodies on Monday, and dozens remain unaccounted for. Tsang Shuk-yin, head of the police casualty enquiry unit, cautioned that a final accounting will require completing searches in all affected blocks.

Donations for survivors and recovery efforts have reached about HK$900 million (roughly US$115 million). The government also pledged HK$300 million in start-up capital for rebuilding and has issued cash subsidies to help families with immediate expenses, including funerals. By Monday, hundreds of displaced residents were housed in local hotels, hostels and transitional units while emergency shelters remained open for others.

Hong Kong anti-corruption authorities and police have arrested 14 people so far, including company directors and an engineering consultant connected with the renovation project. Officials say the arrests are part of efforts to hold those responsible to account.

At the same time, authorities have moved to counter what they describe as harmful rumours and attempts to exploit the tragedy. Secretary for Security Chris Tang said police will act against people spreading falsehoods about the response and against those he said were attempting to "endanger national security." Local media reported the arrest of a man who helped organize an online petition calling for government accountability and two further arrests of people linked to post-fire organizing and volunteer efforts.

Political observers say the response reflects a wider narrowing of public dissent in the city. Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a political scientist, said many residents want accountability not only from contractors but from officials—and that Hong Kong's leadership appears to be moving quickly to prevent protests or campaigns from gaining traction. Since the mass protests of 2019, large-scale demonstrations have been effectively curtailed and political space for opponents has narrowed.

Loretta Loh, a resident leaving flowers at a makeshift memorial: "When something happens, we come out to help each other. I have a heavy heart."

Investigations continue into the causes of the fire, enforcement of safety standards and whether regulatory or enforcement failures contributed to the scale of the disaster. Authorities say they will provide longer-term support for survivors while criminal and safety inquiries proceed.