Photo of labourer smoking on scaffolding triggers anger after Tai Po blaze
A cigarette on bamboo scaffolding ignites public anger after 168 died in similar fire
A photo circulating on Facebook's Shau Kei Wan Sai Wan Ho Concern Group has ignited public outrage, showing a construction worker smoking a cigarette while standing on bamboo scaffolding at Tai On Building in Hong Kong. The image, which also captures a second worker wearing a hard hat bearing a local scaffolding company's name and phone number, has drawn immediate comparisons to the suspected cause of the Tai Po fire that claimed 168 lives last year.
Social media users are demanding consequences, with one commenting, "This is a matter of life and death; this person's licence should be revoked," while another warned, "Take note before this becomes a Wang Fuk 2.0," referencing the deadly blaze. The South China Morning Post has reached out to the scaffolding company for comment, as the incident underscores ongoing safety concerns in Hong Kong's construction industry.
- Photo shows worker smoking on bamboo scaffolding at Tai On Building in Hong Kong
- Incident draws comparisons to Tai Po fire that killed 168 people last year
- Internet users demand licence revocation and company action
Why It Matters
Highlights lax safety enforcement in Hong Kong construction, risking another deadly fire