Fire probe centres on widespread use of flammable material by building firm

The investigation into a deadly fire at a Hong Kong housing estate has centred on the use of flammable material in the scaffolding that covered the residential blocks, officials said on Thursday.

Police arrested three men from the maintenance firm responsible for the buildings on suspicion of manslaughter, while the city’s anti-graft agency said it was looking into a possible case of corruption.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung had revealed shortly before 2am that authorities believed the rapid spread of the fire was suspicious, while Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung Yan-kin said the use of styrofoam to seal windows was believed to have hastened its spread.

“We have found that on the relevant building walls, the netting and waterproof tarpaulin material, once burned, showed spreading of the flames faster than they should on regulated materials. This is unusual,” Tang said.

The deadly blaze in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court claimed at least 65 lives, with 51 found dead at the scene, and left 77 people in hospital as of Thursday evening, while full-scale rescue operations were still under way.

Hours later, police announced the arrest of three men, aged between 52 and 68, on suspicion of manslaughter. The trio included two directors and one engineering consultant of Prestige Construction & Engineering Co, the firm in charge of building maintenance at the estate.