Hong Kong's worst fire in decades may have been sparked by the use of flammable materials on scaffolding and foam used during maintenance work. At least 94 people are confirmed dead, with dozens more injured.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with flames engulfing buildings and people desperately trying to escape. One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounted hearing a loud noise before seeing fire break out in a nearby block. "I don't even know how I feel right now," they said. "I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep tonight because I probably won't be able to go back home."
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but police allege that the scaffolding and foam used during maintenance work may have spread the blaze uncontrollably. Bamboo scaffolding, which is commonly used on Hong Kong building sites, has been identified as a possible factor in the disaster.
"This accident was caused by gross negligence," said Eileen Chung, a Hong Kong police superintendent. "The company's responsible parties were reckless and ignored safety protocols."
Three men from the construction company have already been arrested, including two directors and one engineering consultant. Police are still searching for evidence at the company's office.
China's leader, Xi Jinping, has called on an "all-out effort" to extinguish the fire and minimize casualties and losses. Residents are taking to social media to express their outrage and demand answers about the cause of the disaster.
Building standards in Hong Kong have improved significantly over the years, but advocacy groups have expressed concerns about fires associated with scaffolding. There have been at least three other incidents involving bamboo scaffolding this year alone.
The Wang Fuk Court complex is one of many high-rise housing estates in Hong Kong, which are notoriously overcrowded. The government's subsidized home ownership scheme has made it difficult for residents to afford apartments elsewhere.
Renovation work on the complex began a year ago and was due to cost HK$330m ($42.4m). Each unit pays between HK$160,000 and HK$180,000.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with flames engulfing buildings and people desperately trying to escape. One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounted hearing a loud noise before seeing fire break out in a nearby block. "I don't even know how I feel right now," they said. "I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep tonight because I probably won't be able to go back home."
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but police allege that the scaffolding and foam used during maintenance work may have spread the blaze uncontrollably. Bamboo scaffolding, which is commonly used on Hong Kong building sites, has been identified as a possible factor in the disaster.
"This accident was caused by gross negligence," said Eileen Chung, a Hong Kong police superintendent. "The company's responsible parties were reckless and ignored safety protocols."
Three men from the construction company have already been arrested, including two directors and one engineering consultant. Police are still searching for evidence at the company's office.
China's leader, Xi Jinping, has called on an "all-out effort" to extinguish the fire and minimize casualties and losses. Residents are taking to social media to express their outrage and demand answers about the cause of the disaster.
Building standards in Hong Kong have improved significantly over the years, but advocacy groups have expressed concerns about fires associated with scaffolding. There have been at least three other incidents involving bamboo scaffolding this year alone.
The Wang Fuk Court complex is one of many high-rise housing estates in Hong Kong, which are notoriously overcrowded. The government's subsidized home ownership scheme has made it difficult for residents to afford apartments elsewhere.
Renovation work on the complex began a year ago and was due to cost HK$330m ($42.4m). Each unit pays between HK$160,000 and HK$180,000.
can't believe what's happening in hong kong... 94 people lost their lives, it's just heartbreaking... scaffolding & foam used during maintenance work? that's crazy! how do u expect fire to spread uncontrollably with proper safety protocols in place? 
sounds like gross negligence to me. hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this & hold ppl accountable. 
my heart goes out to all the families affected by this tragedy... 94 lives lost is just devastating 
the use of flammable materials on scaffolding & foam during maintenance work sounds super suspicious 
I'm so angry that people were put in harm's way due to corporate greed 
these bamboo scaffolding incidents have been happening over and over again 
it's like the government & building authorities are turning a blind eye 
we need stricter safety protocols & better regulations, pronto 
. It's time for us to come together as a community and demand better from our leaders. We need to make sure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing, regardless of their income or social status.
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94 people dead is way too many... scaffolding and foam being used during maintenance work? Sounds dodgy to me 
... police saying it was gross negligence? Not buying it 
... how can construction companies get away with this kind of reckless behavior? And what's with the bamboo scaffolding, is that really necessary? 
... shouldn't we be talking about building safety standards instead of just slapping people in charge and hoping they learn from their mistakes 
... these fires are happening way too often, someone needs to take responsibility and make real changes 