Authorities in Hong Kong have ordered the removal of scaffolding mesh from buildings undergoing renovations by Saturday, as investigations continue into the Chinese territory's deadliest blaze in decades.
It is now known that 159 people died as a result of the fire last Wednesday at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex - with 31 still missing.
Investigators have found that a protective netting used around the complex, which had been undergoing extensive renovations, failed to meet flame retardant standards.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said new guidelines for testing materials used in scaffolding would be issued next week.
About 200 private residential and 10 public buildings are currently undergoing renovations in Hong Kong, impacting around 300 structures affected by the removal order. I assure the public that we will chase to the end the accountability of any contractors using substandard scaffolding mesh, Linn emphasized, noting that samples had been taken for testing.
At Wang Fuk Court, flames spread quickly across the separate tower blocks fueled by protective mesh netting and other flammable materials on the exterior of the buildings. Police have made at least 15 arrests for manslaughter as the investigation into the cause of the fire proceeds. Police Commissioner Joe Chow remarked, We have not finished our work... to see if any bodies were covered by the bamboo. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about building safety and construction practices in the territory, prompting widespread calls for reform.
