Hong Kong authorities have revealed that non-fire-resistant safety nets, initially deemed compliant, worsened a massive high-rise fire that has now claimed 151 lives and sparked widespread public anger.
The latest investigation found seven safety nets covering scaffolding around buildings in the Wang Fuk Court complex did not meet fire-resistant standards. This contradicts earlier preliminary checks that had assessed the nets as safe.
Chris Leung, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, stated that investigators could access previously unreachable areas after the blaze was extinguished. He confirmed that seven critical points failed fire safety standards, severely compromising public safety.
Hong Kong police confirmed the death toll has surged to 151. More than 40 people remain missing.
A female police officer became emotional during a press conference, noting that some bodies were so severely burned they were reduced to ashes. This may prevent the identification of all missing persons.
The revelations have ignited outrage on social media across Hong Kong. Users are questioning why safety nets, intended to save lives, instead accelerated the fire’s spread and are demanding government transparency and accountability for those involved.
The inferno erupted last Wednesday, quickly engulfing seven of the eight buildings within the Wang Fuk Court complex. This fire is considered one of Hong Kong’s most devastating building fires in decades.
The complex housed approximately 4,600 residents. The incident has left a vast community displaced and grieving.
The site of the fire is now surrounded by countless flowers, messages, and dolls placed by mourners. Financial aid for victims has rapidly grown to USD 115 million.
The Hong Kong government announced that this sum includes an initial USD 38.4 million in public funds. These resources are earmarked for long-term support and rebuilding efforts for affected residents.
Emergency financial assistance has already been disbursed to cover immediate needs such as funeral expenses and temporary accommodation.
As of Monday, 683 victims have been placed in hotels and hostels. Another 1,144 people have been moved into temporary housing.
Two additional emergency shelters have been opened to accommodate more displaced individuals. Officials are also assessing the structural safety of the remaining buildings, including the severely damaged originating structure.