A devastating fire in a Hong Kong residential building has left the entire city in shock. The blaze, which broke out in an old 32-storey complex with eight towers, has turned into one of the worst fire disasters the region has seen in decades. More than 100 people have died, and the tragedy has drawn global attention.
The residential complex, called Wang Fuk Court, is located in the Tai Po district. Most people living in the building were elderly, which made the situation even more heartbreaking. As rescue teams worked for hours to control the flames, a new video clip surfaced that is raising fresh questions about what may have triggered the fire.
🤯 Shocking Footage Shows Workers Smoking Near Outer Wall Just Moments Before Blaze Engulfed Wang Fu Court In Hong Kong https://t.co/j5Vc9UkqOP pic.twitter.com/lz6U9NoXic
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) November 28, 2025
Viral Video Shows Worker Smoking Before Blaze
A video circulating on social media has claimed that the fire may have been sparked by a cigarette. The clip, shared by RT India, shows a worker smoking near the outer wall of the building shortly before the fire began. The footage has now gone viral and has stirred widespread debate.
However, Hong Kong authorities have not yet confirmed whether the cigarette actually caused the fire. Officials say the investigation is still ongoing, and the exact cause of the blaze has not been officially determined. Despite this, the viral video has added a new twist to the case, drawing attention from both local residents and international viewers.
Did Bamboo Scaffolding Make the Fire Worse?
Another major concern being discussed is the role of Hong Kong’s traditional bamboo scaffolding. Many residents and experts believe that the bamboo frames covering the building may have allowed the flames to spread much faster.
Bamboo scaffolding has been used for centuries across Asia and is still common in Hong Kong due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. But after this incident, questions are being raised about whether such structures are safe for high-rise renovation projects. People are worried that the combination of dry bamboo and flammable safety nets may have turned the building into a fire trap.
Renovation Work Had Covered All Eight Towers
Wang Fuk Court was undergoing major renovation work that began last year. All eight towers were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding along with green safety nets. When the fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon, the dry bamboo and netting provided fuel for the flames, helping them climb rapidly from one floor to another.
On Friday, the Hong Kong government confirmed that falling bamboo pieces also helped spread the fire. Security Chief Chris Tang stated that early investigations show the fire started on a lower floor, where the safety net caught fire. The flames then travelled upward and spread quickly through highly flammable foam boards installed as part of the renovation work. This combination made the situation worse and gave firefighters a tough challenge.
Police Arrest Eight People Linked to Renovation Project
Following the incident, authorities arrested eight people connected to the renovation work. The group includes seven men aged between 40 and 63, and one woman.
According to a statement by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), those arrested include a scaffolding subcontractor, a director from an engineering consultancy firm, and the project manager responsible for supervising the renovation. They are being questioned regarding safety lapses and possible negligence that may have contributed to the deadly fire.
