Standfirst Beijing launches an immediate inspection campaign targeting renovations and flammable materials following Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades.
The Lede China’s State Council has ordered an immediate nationwide safety inspection of high-rise buildings after a massive fire at a Hong Kong residential complex killed at least 128 people. The Work Safety Committee directed local governments across the mainland to target buildings undergoing renovation, specifically looking for flammable insulation and bamboo scaffolding similar to those blamed for the disaster.
Supporting Details The directive follows the catastrophe at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, where a fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon and engulfed seven of the estate’s eight towers.
Authorities believe the blaze began in the bamboo scaffolding and nylon netting surrounding the buildings, which were undergoing exterior repairs. The flames spread rapidly due to highly flammable polystyrene foam panels installed on the facade, trapping residents in their homes.
Under the new nationwide measures, inspectors in mainland China will focus on “risky renovation practices,” including the use of non-compliant insulation materials and unauthorized construction. The order also demands checks on firefighting equipment, such as sprinkler systems and emergency exits, to ensure they are functional.
Quotes “The blaze ignited the foam panels, causing the glass to shatter and leading to a swift intensification of the fire and its spread into the interior spaces,” said Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang.
“Bamboo scaffolding, non-flame-retardant safety nets… and firefighting facilities will be among the main items to be inspected,” the Ministry of Emergency Management in Beijing stated.
Broader Context The Wang Fuk Court fire is Hong Kong’s deadliest since a warehouse explosion in 1948 killed 176 people. Concerns over building safety have been growing in the densely populated city, particularly regarding the widespread use of bamboo scaffolding for construction, a traditional technique that experts warn can be a fire hazard if not properly treated or managed.
Residents had reportedly raised concerns about the flammable materials months before the fire, but officials initially claimed the materials met safety standards.
Future Outlook In Hong Kong, a criminal investigation is underway, with police arresting eight people, including directors of the construction company and contractors, on suspicion of manslaughter and gross negligence. Meanwhile, mainland authorities have warned that severe violations discovered during the new nationwide inspections will be punished strictly to “close safety loopholes” and prevent similar tragedies in China’s rapidly urbanizing cities.
Also Read / Hong Kong High-Rise Inferno: Massive Fire in Tai Po Leaves Multiple Dead, Dozens Trapped Amid Dramatic Rescue Efforts
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