TAI PO, HONG KONG — Following a devastating fire that swept through a residential complex, Hong Kong authorities have initiated a controlled, temporary reopening of one undamaged building, Wang Chi House in Wang Fuk Court, to allow displaced residents to recover critical personal items. The supervised access, confirmed Tuesday, addresses urgent pleas from those affected by the massive conflagration, which resulted in scores of fatalities and injuries across the estate. While investigations into the exact cause are ongoing, scrutiny is focusing heavily on construction materials and safety protocols that may have contributed to the rapid, catastrophic spread of the blaze.
Safety Concerns Fuel Rapid Spread of Conflagration
The fire, which struck the sprawling Tai Po housing estate, has tragically displaced over a hundred individuals. Authorities are now probing potential safety lapses that could have intensified the disaster. Security Secretary Chris Tang highlighted specific concerns, suggesting that the blaze’s rapid expansion may have been exacerbated by several construction-related factors present at the site.
Tang pointed specifically to the apparent use of non-compliant scaffolding netting and the widespread practice of sealing windows using highly flammable foam boards. These materials, he suggested, could have acted as kindling, significantly fueling the fire’s intensity and speed along the exterior of the structures.
Inspection reports and visual evidence from Wang Chi House, though untouched by the main fire, provide context for these concerns. Almost every window in that building was sealed shut with thick foam board material, effectively blocking interior views to the outside. Furthermore, the building’s exterior was covered in extensive green safety netting draped over scaffolding, often supplemented by plastic tarpaulins—a common sight at construction or repair sites. Platforms outside several units were noted to be cluttered with construction debris, including discarded paint containers and general waste.
Limited Access Granted for Essential Retrieval
The decision to grant controlled access to Wang Chi House prioritizes residents’ immediate needs, allowing them to gather vital documents, identification, and personal mementos that were left behind during the emergency evacuation. Police officers are supervising the retrieval process to ensure safety and security within the partially cleared complex.
Key Takeaways for Residents and Property Managers
The tragedy fundamentally underscores the critical importance of adhering to stringent fire safety regulations, particularly in densely populated urban environments undergoing structural work.
- Material Compliance: Construction materials, especially exterior finishes and insulation (like foam boards and netting), must meet high flammability standards. Non-compliant materials exponentially increase fire risk.
- Clear Egress Routes: Scaffolding should never obstruct essential escape routes or create fire traps. The presence of excess debris on external platforms is a hazard.
- Regular Inspections: Authorities must verify that fire safety plans and materials standards are rigorously maintained throughout all phases of building repair or construction.
As the community begins the challenging process of recovery, the focus remains on supporting the displaced residents while the investigation determines how such a widespread disaster could have been prevented. The findings of the official inquiry are expected to prompt a sweeping review of standard building and fire safety enforcement across Hong Kong’s high-density housing sector.