💨 Abstract

A fire in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court housing estate, involving bamboo scaffolding, resulted in at least 65 deaths and 290 missing. Bamboo scaffolding, used for its speed, cost, and tradition, dates back 2,000 years. Hong Kong recently mandated metal scaffolding for 50% of new public works due to safety concerns, but private projects can still use bamboo. The material's flammability and varying strength pose risks.

Courtesy: Molly Lee