Hong Kong Fire Aftermath: Scaffolding Removal Ordered Amid Investigation

Hong Kong authorities have ordered the immediate removal of all scaffolding mesh from buildings undergoing renovation by Saturday, as investigations continue into the fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which has claimed 159 lives with 31 people still missing. The blaze, described as the territory's deadliest in decades, spread rapidly across the towers after protective netting used around the complex was found to have failed flame-retardant standards. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho stated that new guidelines for testing scaffolding materials will be issued next week and assured the public that authorities will hold contractors using substandard materials accountable. The removal order is expected to affect approximately 300 buildings across Hong Kong.

Police are continuing their search operations, focusing now on the remnants of the fallen bamboo scaffolding where bodies might be covered, as they confirm they have not yet finished their work. So far, 140 of the 159 bodies have been identified, ranging in age from one to 97. The police have made at least 15 arrests for manslaughter as they investigate the cause of the fire.