Viral videos of workers seen smoking renew online debate over Hong Kong fire that killed 128

Videos of construction workers smoking on-site resurfaced on social media, igniting public outrage in the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong.

Fresh controversy has erupted around the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong as videos of construction workers smoking on scaffolding resurfaced and spread widely on social media on Saturday, reigniting public anger over alleged safety lapses at the housing complex.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong, which claimed at least 128 lives. (AP)

The footage, originally posted on Thursday, showed workers taking a smoke break while repairing the building’s outer wall, clips that have now prompted renewed scrutiny even though officials say the actual cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The blaze, which tore through the Tai Po housing estate on Wednesday, killed at least 128 people and injured dozens more. Nearly 900 of the estate’s roughly 4,800 residents were forced into temporary shelters overnight as seven of the eight 32-storey towers were engulfed in flames when bamboo scaffolding and renovation materials caught fire.

Social media debate ensues over workers smoking

Several internet users took to X to share the widely circulated video of a worker smoking and alleged that it may have contributed to the deadly fire.

“Shortly before the fire at the Wang Fu Court building in Tai Po, Hong Kong, males were blatantly smoking while repairing the exterior walls, showing reckless disregard for everyone’s safety,” a post on social media site X said.

HT.com could not independently verify the video circulating online.

However, authorities said they are still determining what ignited the blaze, noting that flammable netting, plastic foam panels and strong winds helped fuel the rapid spread.

There is no official confirmation that smoking directly triggered the disaster.

HK's deadliest fire since 1948

The tragedy is now the worst fire the city has recorded since 1948, when a warehouse inferno claimed 176 lives. Investigators are examining whether some of the materials used in the renovation met required fire-resistance standards.

Authorities have detained two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction, the company responsible for repair work at the estate. They are being investigated for possible manslaughter over allegations that substandard materials were used during the project. During a search of the firm’s office, police collected tender documents, staff records, 14 computers and three mobile phones, officials said.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced that the government will establish a HK300 million dollars relief fund for affected residents. Several major companies, including automakers Xiaomi, Xpeng and Geely, as well as charitable foundations linked to Jack Ma and Tencent, have also pledged financial support for those affected.