Hong Kong Vows Justice After Deadly Wang Fuk Court Blaze as Probe Targets Unsafe Scaffolding Netting

Hong Kong's chief executive has pledged that "justice will be served" after a catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate that left 159 people dead and 31 missing. Authorities say substandard mesh used on bamboo scaffolding and polystyrene window boarding likely helped the blaze spread rapidly through the high-rise complex.

Rescue and identification teams completed searches of all seven damaged blocks, but officials warned the confirmed death toll could still rise after further identification of remains and inspection of collapsed scaffolding outside the buildings. The estate housed more than 4,000 residents, many of them elderly.

At least 21 people have been arrested in connection with the blaze. Fifteen individuals — 14 men and one woman — are being investigated on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence. Six men detained more recently are accused of falsely representing that fire alarms would not be switched off during renovation work.

Officials say seven of 20 mesh samples taken from the site failed fire safety tests. Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, and the city's corruption commissioner, Woo Ying-ming, told investigators the protective netting had been damaged in a typhoon and that some replacement mesh did not meet safety standards. Investigators allege the contractor applied compliant netting selectively, using better material only on lower floors in an apparent attempt to avoid inspection.

Polystyrene boards used to block windows during renovation were also identified as a factor that accelerated the fire. Authorities said they had found the same boarding method at three other construction sites and ordered the materials removed pending further safety checks.

Independent inquiry promised. Chief Executive John Lee announced he will form an independent, judge-led committee to investigate how the fire started and spread so quickly, and he called for "systematic reform" of safety oversight. "No matter who is involved we will get to the bottom of it," Lee said.

Mourners continue to gather outside Wang Fuk Court, leaving flowers, fruit and the deceased's favorite snacks at an expanding memorial. Tuesday marked the traditional seventh day after the first deaths — a culturally significant time when families observe rituals for the departed. Volunteers and residents described the scene as solemn and orderly, with many people expressing grief, anger and a demand for accountability.

Disaster victim identification teams worked methodically, going door to door through charred flats in difficult conditions. Chief Superintendent Karen Tsang, head of the casualty inquiry unit, noted that some remains have been reduced to ashes and cautioned it may be impossible to recover or identify every missing person. Search teams found bodies across corridors, stairwells and rooftops, police said.

The victims include elderly residents, foreign domestic workers, construction workers and a firefighter. Consular officials said nine of the domestic workers were from Indonesia and one from the Philippines. Most casualties occurred in the first two towers to catch fire — Wang Cheong House and Wang Tai House.

Authorities have urged calm and warned against exploiting the tragedy to incite unrest. Beijing's local security office called for action against attempts to "oppose China and stir chaos in Hong Kong," and national security police have detained several people in connection with materials supporting calls for an independent inquiry. Officials also asked volunteers to leave the immediate scene and said donation distribution would be centralized and managed through official channels.

The government has said it will review building and renovation oversight, tighten enforcement of scaffold and material safety standards, and pursue those responsible. Families and the wider community continue to mourn as investigators trace the chain of decisions and materials that may have fuelled the blaze.

Updated: officials continue investigations and victim identification efforts.