HONG KONG – A devastating fire that engulfed a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, has resulted in at least 44 deaths, including one firefighter, with authorities reporting 279 people still missing as of Thursday morning, East Africa Time (EAT). The blaze, now considered the city's deadliest in nearly three decades, has prompted a criminal investigation focusing on the role of construction materials, particularly the bamboo scaffolding encasing the buildings for renovations.

The fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex at approximately 2:51 PM Hong Kong time (9:51 AM EAT) on Wednesday. Fanned by strong winds, the flames spread with alarming speed across seven of the eight 31-storey towers, which house approximately 4,800 residents. Fire services officials described the fire's rapid spread as “unusual.” More than 800 firefighters and 140 fire engines were deployed to combat the inferno, which was upgraded to a No. 5 alarm, the highest level of severity.

Investigation Focuses on Materials

Hong Kong Police have arrested three individuals—two directors and a consultant from the contractor responsible for the renovation work—on suspicion of manslaughter. The investigation is examining whether non-compliant and highly flammable materials contributed to the tragedy. Authorities have pointed to the bamboo scaffolding, green nylon mesh netting, and styrofoam used to seal windows as key factors in the fire's rapid escalation. According to a government statement, the mesh netting and sheeting used on the exterior did not meet requisite fire safety standards. Eileen Chung, a Hong Kong police superintendent, stated, "We have reason to believe that the company's responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably."

The incident has intensified an ongoing debate in Hong Kong over the use of bamboo scaffolding, a construction method with deep cultural roots in the region. Valued for being lightweight, cost-effective, and flexible, bamboo scaffolding is a ubiquitous sight on the city's skyscrapers. However, safety concerns, including its combustibility, have grown. In March 2025, Hong Kong's Development Bureau announced plans to phase out bamboo in favour of steel scaffolding for public construction projects, citing that 23 people had died in bamboo scaffold-related accidents since 2018. The government mandated that 50% of public works would be required to use metal frames, which offer better fire resistance.

Global Context and Local Relevance

While bamboo scaffolding is not a common practice in Kenya, the tragedy in Hong Kong offers critical lessons for Nairobi and other rapidly urbanizing centres in East Africa concerning construction site safety and the regulation of building materials. The incident underscores the universal importance of stringent oversight, adherence to fire safety codes, and the potential dangers of using flammable materials in high-rise buildings, regardless of whether they are traditional or modern. In Kenya, where the construction sector is booming, the enforcement of building codes and safety standards remains a persistent challenge. The use of bamboo in construction is being explored for its sustainability and affordability, making the safety lessons from this fire particularly pertinent.

The Hong Kong fire is the city's worst since a 1996 blaze at the Garley Building, a commercial tower, which killed 41 people. Chief Executive John Lee described the Wang Fuk Court fire as a “massive catastrophe” and has assured a thorough investigation. As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on accounting for the nearly 300 missing residents and supporting the hundreds who have been displaced and are now housed in temporary shelters.