Just the beginning: Deadly fire in Hong Kong fuels outrage over corruption and safety failures

HONG KONG Questions are emerging about responsibility for Hong Kongs deadliest fire in decades. The city mourns at least 156 lives lost in a high-rise apartment blaze, while anger rises over building safety failures, suspected construction fraud, and weak government oversight.

Experts warn the tragedy may be just a tip of the iceberg in a city dominated by high-rises. Concerns about bid-rigging and hazardous materials in renovation projects at other housing estates have fueled fears of similar disasters in the future.

Police and the citys anti-corruption agency have arrested 14 individuals connected to a large renovation project at Wang Fuk Court, where the fire began Wednesday. Detainees include scaffolding subcontractors, construction company directors, and consultants, facing charges like manslaughter and gross negligence.

Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London, said, The question is whether what happened at Wang Fuk Court could happen elsewhere.

Authorities initially claimed that the green netting on bamboo scaffolding met safety codes, but flammable foam panels used to seal windows contributed to the fire spreading across seven of the eight towers, fueled by strong winds. Later tests showed seven of 20 additional samples failed safety standards.

Investigators found that contractors had cut costs by using substandard materials alongside compliant ones after a typhoon damaged some netting. Residents reported some fire alarms failed during the blaze.

John Burns, honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong, said, This has opened a Pandoras box. Bid-rigging, collusion, corruption, and government negligenceall of these issues have come to light.

Authorities suspended work on renovations at 28 other projects managed by the same company, with contractors removing foam boards and netting as a precaution. Tsang warned, The netting issue is not limited to one estate; it is widespread.

Residents had raised safety concerns about materials before the fire. The Labor Department reviewed netting certificates and conducted 16 inspections, advising contractors to meet fire safety requirements. Critics question government accountability, while officials emphasize actions against contractors and support for victims.

Political analyst Willy Lam stated, People are frustrated less about materials and more about lack of government oversight. Chief Executive John Lee announced an independent judicial-led inquiry and promised reforms to the building renovation system. Adviser Ronny Tong suggested the problem lies with lawbreakers, not enforcement.

Contractor-turned-activist Jason Poon highlighted recurring issues of bid-rigging, inflated costs, and opaque subcontracting in Hong Kong construction, calling the fire just the tip of the iceberg.

Hong Kong, under tighter Beijing control since 1997, has limited public dissent. Authorities quickly moved to suppress criticism over the fire. The organizer of a petition calling for accountability was arrested under the national security law, which targets anti-China activities.

Political scientist Jean-Pierre Cabestan noted the disaster could affect voter turnout in the upcoming Legislative Council election, as Beijing views participation as support for the patriots-only system. Burns concluded, The government must pay attention to public opinion; ignoring it would be a huge mistake.

Author: Sophia Brooks