TAI PO, Hong Kong — Authorities are intensely investigating whether highly flammable construction materials rapidly fueled a catastrophic five-alarm blaze in the Tai Po district, which claimed at least 44 lives and injured dozens at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex last week. Initial findings suggest suspicious exterior wall coverings and foam boards used during recent renovation work may have significantly contributed to the inferno’s relentless spread, leading to the arrest of three individuals from the project’s engineering firm on suspicion of manslaughter.
The rapid spread of the fire, which engulfed large sections of the building, raised immediate alarm among investigators. Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung described the pace and intensity of the material combustion as “unusual” compared to properly certified construction products. Fire Service investigators noted that protective netting, plastic sheeting, and certain waterproofing canvases on the building’s façade burned much faster and more fiercely than expected.
Focus on Materials and Safety Standards
A key focus of the criminal investigation centers on materials used during ongoing exterior maintenance. Records reviewed from the Wang Fuk Court Owners’ Corporation revealed a notice dated October 2024 from the contractor, Wang Yip Construction Engineering Co., Ltd., detailing plans for facade protection during maintenance.
The notice specifically mentioned using FoamBoard (expanded polystyrene foam board) to fully cover exterior window glass on individual units, ostensibly to prevent debris damage during “hacking” work—a common colloquial term for facade chipping. These boards and canvas coverings were supposed to be temporary and removed immediately after the work concluded.
However, investigators discovered that these flammable materials, particularly the foam boards, were extensively present and appeared to have accelerated the blaze. Fire Chief Andy Yeung Yin-kin pointed out that even in adjacent buildings at Wang Fuk Court untouched by the main fire, crews found highly combustible foam boards sealing windows near ventilation areas—a practice deemed highly irregular.
“This type of foam board is extremely easy to burn when exposed to heat and can significantly aid the expansion of fire,” Yeung stated, emphasizing that the flammable material could allow a fire to spread vertically and horizontally with dangerous speed.
Criminal Investigation Launched
The discovery of the suspicious materials has triggered a comprehensive criminal inquiry. Police and Fire Services have formed a dedicated task force to investigate not only the fire’s origin but also potential criminal liability. This includes verifying whether the materials met mandated fire and building safety standards and if there were any regulatory breaches during their application.
The three arrested individuals from the engineering firm face possible manslaughter charges, signaling authorities’ intent to hold those responsible fully accountable for the tragic loss of life.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu affirmed the government’s commitment to a thorough and scientifically grounded investigation. He announced that the findings, once complete, would be submitted to a Coroner’s Court for a full inquest.
“The investigation must be comprehensive and based on scientific evidence, requiring extensive laboratory testing and technical analysis,” Lee said, promising sufficient resources to ensure the inquiry’s integrity.
Moving Forward: The government has prioritized laboratory assessments and expert analysis to evaluate the fire performance of the recovered construction materials. This critical investigation will not only seek justice for the victims and their families but also likely prompt a review of safety protocols and material usage in large-scale residential renovation projects across the city. The findings are expected to have significant implications for construction industry regulation and oversight.
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