Hong Kong Confirms Contractors Used Substandard Netting in Deadly Housing Estate Fire
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Hong Kong authorities confirmed Monday that contractors intentionally installed substandard, non-fire-resistant protective netting during renovation work at a public housing estate where a massive blaze has killed at least 151 people, with some victims burned to ash.
The fire, which engulfed Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, had raised early suspicions about the scaffolding materials involved. Initial tests conducted before the fire was fully extinguished indicated that parts of the netting met fire-retardant standards, but experts and firefighters said the flames spread with highly abnormal speed, contradicting those preliminary results.
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- Contractors installed non-fire-resistant netting during Hong Kong public housing renovations, contributing to a fire that killed at least 151 people.
- Authorities found 7 of 20 netting samples post-fire failed flammability tests; 12 people have been arrested for installing non-compliant material in concealed spots.
- The cost difference for compliant netting was minimal compared to the total project size, and legal proceedings are pending against those involved.
- 2025-12-01：
- Hong Kong authorities confirm contractors intentionally installed substandard, non-fire-resistant protective netting during renovation work at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, following a massive blaze that killed at least 151 people.
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