At least 40 people have died and dozens more are missing following a catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon, has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of traditional bamboo scaffolding used in construction, as it may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

Fire Incident Overview
The fire broke out shortly before 3 PM local time, quickly engulfing several of the eight 31-storey towers within the complex. Firefighters faced significant challenges in their efforts to control the blaze, with reports indicating that debris and high temperatures hampered rescue operations. As of the latest updates, 279 individuals remain unaccounted for, and 45 are in critical condition. Emergency services dispatched over 128 fire engines and nearly 800 firefighters to the scene, making this one of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong's history.

Arrests and Investigations
In the aftermath of the fire, local authorities have arrested three individuals on suspicion of manslaughter. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has stated that the immediate priorities are to extinguish the fire, rescue trapped residents, and provide support to the injured. A thorough investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, with officials expected to hold press conferences to provide updates on the situation.

Bamboo Scaffolding Concerns
The use of bamboo scaffolding, a traditional yet controversial construction material, has come under scrutiny following the incident. Reports suggest that the bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh may have exacerbated the fire's spread. Despite its lightweight and cost-effective nature, bamboo has been criticized for safety reasons, leading the government to announce plans to phase out its use in favor of fire-resistant steel. Industrial accidents involving bamboo scaffolding have resulted in numerous fatalities in recent years, prompting calls for a reevaluation of its role in construction practices.

Government Response and Future Implications
The tragedy has sparked a broader discussion about construction safety standards in Hong Kong. Authorities are facing pressure to implement stricter regulations regarding the use of bamboo scaffolding, especially in light of recent industrial accidents. The Hong Kong and Kowloon Bamboo Scaffolding Workers Union, which opposes the phase-out of bamboo, argues that the material is integral to the local construction culture and provides livelihoods for skilled workers.

Wrap-up
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this devastating fire, the focus will remain on the rescue efforts and the investigation into the cause of the blaze. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for a reassessment of construction safety standards in Hong Kong, particularly concerning the continued use of bamboo scaffolding.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team