HONG KONG — Authorities in Hong Kong have detained three construction executives on suspicion of manslaughter following a catastrophic blaze that engulfed residential towers in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court, claiming at least 44 lives and injuring dozens. The inferno, which began late Wednesday afternoon and raged well into Thursday morning, prompted a massive emergency response and has thrust building safety regulations, particularly regarding exterior materials and temporary scaffolding, under intense scrutiny.
The tragedy unfolded around 2:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday. As of early Thursday, 44 fatalities have been confirmed, with an additional 45 individuals hospitalized, some in critical condition. Furthermore, emergency services deployed over 1,200 personnel and are continuing the search for an estimated 279 people initially reported missing from the densely populated complex.
Investigation Focuses on Material Non-Compliance
Senior Police Superintendent Eileen Chung Lai-yee told reporters that initial investigations strongly suggest that rapid fire propagation was facilitated by materials used on the buildings’ exteriors that allegedly failed to meet mandated fire safety standards. Specific concerns center on flammable foam boards reportedly installed outside elevator lobby windows on every floor of one affected high-rise.
“We believe there was gross negligence by those responsible for the construction, which led to the rapid spread of the fire and these severe casualties,” Superintendent Chung stated.
The three individuals arrested and now held in custody include two directors from a construction company and a consultant linked to the project. Police confirmed that forensic examinations and witness interviews are ongoing as they work to determine the exact cause of ignition.
Challenges Hinder Firefighting Efforts
The residential towers, part of a sprawling estate built in the early 1980s, offered significant challenges to responders. At the time of the fire, several blocks were encased in bamboo scaffolding, which officials noted acted as a conduit for the flames and smoke, rapidly spreading the fire vertically and horizontally.
Derek Armstrong Chan, a deputy director at the Fire Services Department, reported that access was severely hampered by falling debris and the large-scale collapse of scaffolding. The extreme heat further complicated the efforts of firefighters, whose ladder trucks struggled to reach the upper storeys of the 32-floor structures. Official records show that 40 casualties died at the scene, with four others succumbing to their injuries later in the hospital.
The incident occurred during a period when the Hong Kong Observatory had issued warnings regarding an “extreme” fire risk, attributed to prolonged dry conditions across the territory.
Immediate Action and Government Review
In the immediate aftermath, authorities established temporary shelters in nearby community centers and schools to house hundreds of evacuees. Police assisted elderly residents and conducted thorough door-to-door evacuations throughout the night.
The comprehensive investigation promised by Chief Executive John Lee will prioritize the regulatory compliance of exterior walls, protective netting, sheeting, and the temporary scaffolding arrangements. The government had previously initiated a phased transition away from traditional bamboo scaffolding to steel alternatives precisely due to safety concerns highlighted by past fires spreading via bamboo-clad facades.
This catastrophe underscores the critical need for strict oversight of building materials and construction practices in dense urban environments. The findings from this inquiry are expected to prompt widespread revisions to Hong Kong’s fire safety codes, particularly concerning facade refurbishment and the use of external wall insulation systems, ensuring greater protection for residents across the city’s high-rise estates.