Hong Kong Contractors Used Substandard Netting at Fire Site, Officials Say

Investigation reveals safety breaches and a mounting death toll

Authorities have uncovered that contractors wrapped several buildings with scaffolding netting that did not meet safety standards. The inferior material was then deliberately concealed from building inspectors, raising serious concerns about construction oversight in the city.

The investigation found that the netting, which was meant to protect workers and the public, was substandard and failed to provide the required load‑bearing capacity. Inspectors reported that the contractors attempted to hide the faulty installation by covering it with additional layers of ordinary sheeting.

As a result of the blaze, the death toll has risen to 151 victims, underscoring the tragic consequences of neglecting proper safety protocols.

Government officials have pledged a thorough review of construction practices and have called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.