Hong Kong authorities have launched a formal investigation into the potentially criminal use of highly combustible foam insulation material discovered at a renovated public housing estate following a devastating fire that claimed dozens of lives. The Fire Services Department (FSD) confirmed Thursday that the material—polystyrene foam board—was used to temporarily seal ventilation windows during ongoing exterior renovation at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, an application officials deemed “unusual.” This revelation comes as police aggressively pursue a manslaughter inquiry, focusing on the construction contractors and technical consultants responsible for the site.
The calamitous No. 5 alarm fire, which swept through the residential complex Wednesday afternoon, resulted in at least 44 fatalities and injured 45 individuals, according to early Thursday morning reports. The tragedy underscores severe concerns regarding fire safety protocols and the enforcement of compliant construction practices during large-scale refurbishment projects across the territory.
Criminal Charges and Ongoing Searches
The Hong Kong Police Force’s serious crime unit has moved swiftly, arresting three men on suspicion of manslaughter, alleging “gross negligence” contributed to the massive death toll. Those detained include two directors of the implicated firm, Wang Yip Construction Works Limited, and an engineering consultant involved in the project oversight.
On Thursday morning, police executed a search warrant at the construction company’s San Po Kong office, seizing a substantial volume of documents. Reporters observed officers restricting access while multiple boxes of evidentiary files were prepared for removal, indicating an intensive effort to establish culpability.
Contract Documents Detail Foam Use
FSD Director Andy Yeung stated the fire investigation would be referred to the police, citing a compelling interest in the non-compliant material discovered. Evidence found on the contractor’s premises, documents bearing the Wang Yip letterhead, detailed procedures for “external wall chiselling works.” These internal circulars, issued around October of the previous year, specifically instructed workers to use Foam Board (polystyrene foam panels) as a protective material for windows.
The documented method involved applying adhesive tape, followed by silicone sealant over the tape, and finally securing the foam board onto the window pane. Furthermore, the instructions called for a double layer of protection, specifying the addition of plywood or hollow boards outside the windows during chiseling activities. Although the notices claimed the protective coverings would be removed immediately upon the completion of façade works, the extensive use of common polystyrene—a material known to release toxic smoke and accelerate fire spread—has become a central focus.
According to the Wang Fuk Court Owners’ Corporation, as of November 10, all eight complex blocks were undergoing significant exterior works, including interior painting, plaster spraying, and paper terrazzo installation, suggesting the problematic protection materials may have been widespread.
Implications for Public Safety
The ultimate cause of ignition remains under investigation, but the rapid spread of the fire and the high casualty count raise urgent questions about the systemic oversight of temporary building materials utilized during renovations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when builders prioritize temporary convenience over stringent fire safety requirements, particularly in densely populated public housing estates.
Moving forward, the investigation will not only seek to prosecute those responsible for the negligence but also likely trigger a broader review of mandated fire safety standards for external wall systems and temporary protective coverings used across all Hong Kong construction sites. Regulators are anticipated to stress the immediate need for stringent checks to ensure compliance and prevent future tragedies spurred by unauthorized, highly flammable materials.