Emergency Response in Hong Kong Fire Exposes Governance and Safety Failures

The recent inferno consuming four residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district is more than a tragic accident; it serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by government mismanagement and regulatory lapses. As the flames ripped through bamboo scaffolding—a common but highly flammable material used in local construction—the authorities scrambled to contain a disaster that could have been mitigated with stronger oversight. How Did Hong Kong Let Its Most Vulnerable Residents Face Such Danger? With nearly 2,000 homes engulfed and over 4,000 residents at risk, the government’s emergency response fell under immediate scrutiny. Chief Executive John Lee...