HK races to remove mesh nets

Authorities yesterday moved to remove mesh netting from all buildings under renovation across the city after the material was blamed for fanning a blaze last week that has killed at least 159 people.

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The government late on Wednesday ordered the immediate removal of scaffolding nets on all public and private residential buildings by Saturday to "protect public safety and put residents' and businesses' minds at ease".

The move comes as investigators probe the cause of Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades, pointing to the mesh as having fuelled the inferno that engulfed seven high-rise blocks at the Wang Fuk Court complex on Nov 26.

Renovation work across the city is expected to grind to a halt for an unspecified period as inspectors verify that netting materials meet safety standards.