Hong Kong Fire attempt to Conceal Causes after more than 150 People were killed in The Tragedy.

A massive fire broke out on November 26, 2025, at approximately 2:52 p.m., at Wang Fuk Court, a public housing estate in Tai Po, New Territories, housing around 4,600 residents (about 40% elderly). The blaze originated on the external bamboo scaffolding of Block F and rapidly spread to seven of the eight 31-storey towers, fueled by strong northeast monsoon winds. It burned for over 43 hours and is Hong Kong's deadliest fire since 1948, with 151 confirmed deaths (including one firefighter), 79 injuries, and 40–150 still missing as searches continue.Tests on 20 samples of the green protective mesh netting—used to cover the bamboo scaffolding during ongoing exterior wall renovations (started July 2024)—showed that seven samples failed to meet fire-retardant standards. This highly flammable material acted as an accelerant, allowing the fire to climb rapidly up the buildings and spread embers between towers. Compliant netting should resist ignition, but this batch ignited easily, exacerbating the disaster.After a July 2025 typhoon damaged the original scaffolding, contractors replaced 2,300 rolls of netting with a cheaper, non-compliant version costing HK$54 (US$7) per roll from a local supplier. To evade detection, they installed 115 rolls of compliant netting (costing HK$100/US$13 per roll) only at the base of each building's scaffolding, where inspectors typically take samples. The substandard material was placed higher up in hard-to-reach areas. This was described by ICAC Commissioner Danny Woo Ying-ming as a "calculated" deception during the probe.Residents complained about the netting's flammability and other hazards (e.g., polystyrene foam window seals) as early as September 2024. The Labour Department conducted 16 inspections since July 2024, issuing warnings, but initially certified the materials as compliant based on provided certificates. Post-fire tests contradicted this, revealing oversight gaps. Authorities had assured residents of "relatively low fire risks" despite these alerts.13–14 individuals arrested, including engineering consultants, scaffolding subcontractors, and company directors, on suspicion of manslaughter, corruption, and negligence. ICAC is probing potential bribes or kickbacks.