HK Fire Disaster A Tragedy On Many Levels

2025-12-03 05:01:47

(MENAFN- Asia Times) Since the fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 26, Hong Kong has been shaken by what is considered one of the most serious fire disasters in decades. As of December 2, it has resulted in 156 deaths, including a firefighter, and 30 people are still missing. All of Hong Kong is in grief.

Following claims first made by Chinese media, international outlets including The Guardian, AP and CNN have focused on the bamboo scaffolding, presenting the incident as an accident. This narrative, however, not only ignores Hong Kong's construction context but also hides more serious issues in Hong Kong's administration.

This fire was not an accident-it was a man-made tragedy caused by governance failings and the corner-cutting corporations behind the project. Moreover, the government's response so far has shown just how much the city's freedoms have been eroded.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but foam materials were likely a major factor in how quickly the blaze spread. Tests have also found that protective netting and tarpaulins on the buildings did not meet fire safety standards. Bamboo scaffolding was not the primary cause of the fire or its rapid spread.

MENAFN03122025000159011032ID1110429975

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.