Hong Kong Responds to Deadly Blaze with Scaffolding Mesh Ban

Sat Dec 20 2025 14:09:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of a catastrophic fire that claimed 159 lives at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, Hong Kong authorities have mandated the removal of scaffolding mesh from buildings undergoing renovations, launching an investigation into the safety standards of construction materials.

Following Hong Kong's deadliest blaze, which resulted in 159 fatalities, the government has ordered the removal of scaffolding mesh used in construction. Investigations revealed that the mesh failed to meet fire safety standards. Over 300 buildings are affected by this directive as officials aim to enhance material safety guidelines amidst ongoing investigations linked to the tragedy.

Authorities in Hong Kong have ordered the removal of scaffolding mesh from buildings undergoing renovations by Saturday, as investigations continue into the Chinese territory's deadliest blaze in decades.

It is now known that 159 people died as a result of the fire last Wednesday at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex - with 31 still missing.

Investigators have found that a protective netting used around the complex, which had been undergoing extensive renovations, failed to meet flame retardant standards.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said new guidelines for testing materials used in scaffolding would be issued next week.

Around 200 private residential and 10 public buildings are currently undergoing renovations in Hong Kong.

The South China Morning Post, which is based in the territory, says about 300 buildings will be affected by the removal order.

I assure the public that we will chase to the end the accountability of any contractors using substandard scaffolding mesh, Linn was quoted as saying.

Samples had already been taken from mesh for testing, she added.

At Wang Fuk Court, flames spread quickly across the separate tower blocks on protective mesh netting and other flammable materials on the outside of the buildings, officials said.

Police have made at least 15 arrests for manslaughter as the investigation into the cause of the fire proceeds.

On Wednesday, they said they had completed their searches of the interiors of all seven of the complex's towers and would now look for bodies in other parts of the buildings such as the remnants of the bamboo scaffolding.

Police Commissioner Joe Chow stated, We have not finished our work. There is still a lot to do to see if any bodies were covered by the bamboo.

Among the deceased, 140 of the 159 bodies have been identified, with victims ranging from ages one to 97.

In the aftermath, a married couple in their 70s who lost their home expressed their despair at the incident. One witness described the fire's rapid spread as terrifying, highlighting feelings of helplessness as the flames engulfed the buildings.

The community remains haunted by the loss and questions surrounding the circumstances of the blaze, with calls for accountability and thorough investigations ongoing.