Hong Kong political activist Finn Lau posted a long analysis on social media after a massive fire killed 128, pushing back against officials who blamed the disaster on bamboo scaffolding that was used in the tall buildings. Lau said that bamboo is fire-resistant and has been used safely for decades, so he believes it could not be the main cause. Instead, he accused authorities of using bamboo as a convenient excuse to avoid answering tougher questions about safety rules, inspections, and emergency planning.In his post, Lau said that government departments were too slow to respond and had ignored earlier warnings about overcrowded construction sites and poor fire-prevention measures. He also criticised officials for shifting responsibility instead of explaining why safety standards were not enforced and why the blaze spread so quickly in a modern city like Hong Kong. According to Lau, the real issue was long-term government negligence, not bamboo materials.He blamed the mesh netting, saying its highly flammable nature had been overlooked, and accused the government of pushing metal scaffolding before completing a proper investigation. He claimed that the government ignored earlier reports and whistleblower complaints about the widespread use of non-compliant, flammable mesh nets on Hong Kong construction sites over the past year.
Hong Kong high-rise fire
A devastating fire ripped through a high-rise residential block, Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po in Hong Kong, earlier this week, enveloping multiple floors in thick smoke. Firefighters raced to the scene, evacuating hundreds of residents as flames spread rapidly across the building’s exterior. The blaze burned for several hours before crews finally brought it under control. Several people have been treated for smoke inhalation, and emergency services continue to check for other potential casualties. The disaster killed hundreds with many more still missing.Authorities said the fire began on construction scaffolding wrapped in protective netting and foam-like panels during renovation. Fire alarms reportedly failed and many residents had to alert neighbours manually.
