Overview
- Authorities say falling pieces of burning bamboo helped carry flames downward while preliminary findings indicate the blaze began on exterior protective netting and intensified via foam boards that shattered windows and drove fire indoors.
- Police have made three arrests linked to the renovation contractor on allegations of gross negligence as investigations continue across criminal, safety and anti-corruption fronts.
- The government has ordered inspections at housing sites under repair and says it will accelerate a citywide transition to metal scaffolding, reinforcing plans announced earlier this year.
- Experts and industry figures caution against single-cause conclusions, highlighting the role of flammable netting and foam boards, existing safety standards for bamboo, and the need for stricter enforcement.
- Engineers note all eight Wang Fuk Court blocks were under renovation and the fire burned for more than 40 hours, with the disaster marking Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in over a century and leaving a high death toll.