Anger swelling in Hong Kong over deadliest fire in more than 70 years

The GuardianThursday, November 27, 2025 at 4:17:16 PM
Anger swelling in Hong Kong over deadliest fire in more than 70 years
  • A catastrophic fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, resulting in at least 83 fatalities and hundreds reported missing. The blaze, which is the deadliest in over 70 years, has raised urgent questions about safety regulations and the use of bamboo scaffolding in construction.
  • The incident has sparked widespread anger among residents and critics of the government, particularly towards Chief Executive John Lee, whose focus on bamboo scaffolding may be seen as an attempt to deflect blame from deeper systemic issues.
  • This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns regarding building safety standards in Hong Kong, particularly the reliance on traditional bamboo scaffolding, which experts suggest may have exacerbated the fire's rapid spread. The incident has reignited debates about construction practices and regulatory oversight in a city grappling with its safety infrastructure.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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