Police are investigating whether “unusual” building materials, including foam boards covering windows, contributed to the rapid spread of the five-alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has killed at least 44 people and injured dozens.
Authorities are focusing on the exterior protective materials and the foam boards found on windows, leading to the arrest of three officials from the engineering company on suspicion of manslaughter.
A notice from the Wang Fuk Court Owners’ Corporation, published in October 2024 by contractor Prestige Construction and Engineering Company Limited, stated protective measures, including glass protection, debris chutes, and wooden boards, would be installed during the exterior wall project.
The notice specified the contractor would use “Foam Board” to completely cover unit windows to prevent sand and rock fragments from striking the glass during construction. Canvas and wood panels were also to be added to the scaffolding work platforms in preparation for the next stage of “chiseling” work.
The contractor added that during the chiseling process, affected floors would temporarily have windows covered by thin wood or hollow panels, which would be removed immediately after the work was completed. The extensive use of foam boards and canvas found at the scene has become a key focus of the investigation.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang said during an update that fire personnel observed the protective netting, film, some waterproof canvas, and plastic sheeting on the affected building’s exterior burned and spread much more fiercely and rapidly than standard compliant materials, describing the situation as **“unusual.”**
Additionally, personnel found multiple unit windows in an unburnt block of Wang Fuk Court covered with foam boards, a material he said is highly flammable and could have accelerated the fire spread, which is also suspicious.
Tang stressed that police and fire services have formed a dedicated task force to investigate the two “unusual” situations involving the exterior materials and foam boards. Beyond investigating the cause of the fire, they will also pursue criminal liability, including whether the materials complied with fire and building standards and if the construction arrangements were illegal.
Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung pointed out firefighters discovered ventilation windows in an unaffected building were also sealed with foam boards during the rescue. Given the extremely high flammability of such foam, it could cause the fire to spread rapidly once heated, making the situation clearly abnormal. The Fire Services Department has handed over its findings to the police for further investigation and will coordinate with laboratory tests and expert analysis to assess the safety of the materials and their behavior in a fire.
Chief Executive John Lee said the police and Fire Services Department have established a task force to fully investigate the serious fire, and the findings will ultimately be submitted to the Coroner’s Court. He reiterated the investigation must be comprehensive and evidence-based, requiring extensive laboratory testing and technical analysis. He said the government will allocate sufficient resources to ensure a thorough inquiry. Lee expressed confidence in the professionalism and dedication of the two departments, believing they can swiftly trace every possible clue to provide accountability to the deceased, their families, and the community.
