8/ I understand it can sometimes be hard to get a full picture while reporting fast-moving incidents. Still, I urge journalists to correct inaccuracies when they arise. Reinforcing misconceptions about bamboo craftsmanship only supports a misleading official narrative.
(8/9)
7/ It also ignored reporting and prior whistleblowing about the widespread use of non-compliant, flammable mesh nets on HK construction sites in the previous year, as well as brushing off potential legal negligence of senior HK gov officials on the 2024 whistleblowing.
(7/9)
6/ Instead of launching an independent investigation immediately (as the UK did after the Grenfell Tower fire), the HK gov announced on the following day it would accelerate the switch to (Chinese-imported) metal scaffolding without first completing a full investigation.
(6/9)
5/ More broadly, to facilitate the absorption of HK into the PRC, the HK gov has been keen on dismantling Hong Kong unique culture - bamboo craft, neon signage, historic buildings and languages to name a few, alongside ongoing crackdown on judiciary system and free speech.
(5/9)
4/ Those mesh materials can accelerate vertical and lateral fire spread (from lower floors to higher floors, and between blocks). This is primarily evidenced by photos showing the structural integrity of bamboo after a 2-day sustained fire.
(4/9)
3/ Contrary to public misconception, the physical structure of bamboo itself makes it a flame-resistant material. Rather, it is the corrupt practice of using non-compliant and flammable mesh netting that is the likely cause of the fire’s rapid spread.
(3/9)
2/ HK is my homeland - renowned for its skyscraper skyline and the traditional craft of bamboo scaffolding. Over its 185+ year history, bamboo has been widely used in HK construction for its flexibility, ductility, lightness and its FIRE RESISTANCE.
(2/9)
1/ I don’t often speak in my professional capacity as a Hong Kong–born, UK-chartered construction professional (MRICS, MAPM, NECReg, among others). But I need to address inaccurate reporting about bamboo scaffolding in the Hong Kong Tai Po fire.
(1/9)
At about 8:35 pm, a woman wearing a black shirt with the Roman numerals "VIII/IX/VI/IV" (8964) was taken away by police together with a companion. They are the 7th & 8th persons reported to have been detained in Causeway Bay in the past 24 hours. https://t.co/TDleUbQC2G
Tiananmen crackdown anniversary: A young man was taken to a temporary police stand outside a patriotic carnival for questioning before being taken away in a police vehicle.
Full coverage: https://t.co/yFBV3b9a87
Photos: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Police stopped and searched a woman whose mobile phone had its torch function turned on. Officers asked her where she was going, and she told them she was in Causeway Bay to eat ramen.
Full coverage: https://t.co/yFBV3b9a87
Photos: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
#June4
3 days ago, Hunter Bookstore put a sign in its window reading “35/5.” On Sunday police came & demanded to see the IDs of all who entered/exited. Their pretext: a sofa was blocking the sidewalk. But the sofa’s always there for people to sit & read. https://t.co/bU8UPLfylY
On June 3 and 4, 1989, the military opened fire and killed untold numbers of peaceful protesters and bystanders. In Beijing, some citizens attacked army convoys and burned vehicles in response to the military’s violence.