Hong Kong's Housing Safety Concerns Ignored Before Deadly Blaze

A deadly fire in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court housing complex has raised serious questions about safety standards and oversight. The fire, which claimed at least 94 lives, spread rapidly through the exterior scaffolding, highlighting potential hazards that residents had previously flagged. Residents had repeatedly expressed concerns about fire risks, particularly the flammability of materials used during renovation work. Despite these warnings, authorities assured them that the risks were low, as long as certain activities like welding were avoided. However, the fire's rapid spread suggests that these assurances may have been misplaced. The Labour Department conducted 16 safety inspections and issued several improvement notices, but it remains unclear if these measures were sufficient. The use of bamboo scaffolding and protective nets has come under scrutiny, with experts comparing the fire's spread to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. Authorities have arrested three individuals associated with the renovation contractor, Prestige Construction, on suspicion of manslaughter. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the presence of potentially flammable materials like foam has been noted. Residents have expressed anger and frustration, questioning the enforcement of safety regulations. Some reported that foam installed near their windows obstructed their view, delaying their response to the fire. The management's failure to address known issues, such as aging fire hoses and potential violations related to solar panels, has also been criticized. A video showing a construction worker smoking near the scaffolding has added to concerns about safety protocols. The incident has sparked a broader review of building safety standards in Hong Kong, with authorities conducting emergency checks on other renovation sites.