‘Lifetime of memories’: emotional survivors return to worst-hit Wang Fuk Court block
Survivors recount narrow escapes and salvage belongings, as some demand accountability and criticise time limits after deadly blaze
Emotional residents returned to the most severely damaged block of Hong Kong’s fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court on Thursday, holding back tears as they recounted harrowing escapes and called for more time to revisit their homes.
Some survivors managed to retrieve precious belongings from two reopened blocks on Thursday, including a framed wedding photo and cats’ ashes, as about 600 families from the ill-fated estate requested second visits to their flats.
Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said the government would provide additional support for residents of Wang Cheong House, the hardest-hit block where 81 of the 168 deaths in the Tai Po fire occurred. Residents are returning between April 23 and April 28.
02:28
Wang Fuk Court fire survivors return to worst-hit tower
“Wang Cheong House and Wang Tai House were severely damaged by the fire, with more fatalities reported. Returning residents will need greater support, particularly emotional and psychological assistance,” he said.
Households of Wang Tai House, which recorded the highest death toll at 82, will return between April 29 and May 4.
Cheuk said each resident entering the block would be accompanied by a police officer, noting that the Social Welfare Department would deploy a psychologist and a social worker to support households where fatalities occurred.
He added that civil servants, police officers and Civil Aid Service members stationed on each floor would be ready to provide assistance at any time.