Hong Kong Fire Investigation Faces Legal Hurdles, Experts Say
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Legal and construction experts warn that gaps in Hong Kong's building regulations may hinder manslaughter prosecutions after a deadly fire. The blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po killed 159 people.
Police have arrested 21 people. They detained 15 of them on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities discovered flammable foam panels and non-flame-retardant nets on scaffolding surrounding the eight-building complex. The estate had been under renovation since July of last year.
Experts note that proving manslaughter requires showing a person's extreme negligence caused the deaths. They say unclear safety rules and enforcement responsibilities across different contractors could complicate this process. The investigation continues as officials examine the specific causes of the fire's rapid spread.