The protective net covering the scaffolding around buildings that burned down in a major fire in Hong Kong last Sunday did not meet fire-resistance standards, authorities there said today.
Hong Kong's Security Secretary Chris Tang said that mesh samples were taken from multiple locations in the seven buildings that burned down. Seven of the samples did not meet standards.
The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and was extinguished by Friday morning. At least 151 people were killed, dozens were injured, and thousands were left homeless.
Initial tests indicated that the network met standards, but investigators were unable to check all parts earlier because of the fire itself.
"With the fire now extinguished, we were able to reach places that were previously not easily accessible to take samples," Tang told reporters.
Donations for fire survivors have reached 115 million US dollars (900 million Hong Kong dollars) to date, authorities said, as people continued to bring flowers, letters and other tributes to a makeshift memorial site at the burned-out block of flats. Officials said the donations would be used to rebuild homes and provide long-term support.
"When something happens, we come to help each other," said Loreta Loh, who paid tribute at the scene of the accident.
The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the suburb of Tai Po. The fire engulfed seven of eight apartment towers, which housed about 4.600 people.
Hong Kong authorities said teams were assessing the safety of other buildings, including the one that was first hit by the fire and suffered the most damage.
To date, 683 residents have been accommodated in local hotels and hostels, while another 1.144 have been moved to transitional housing. Two emergency shelters remain open for others, authorities said.
The buildings in the complex were completely clad in bamboo scaffolding covered with nylon netting.
The windows were covered with polystyrene panels.
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