Last Wednesday, a major fire broke out in the Hong Fu Court in Hong Kong, causing the area to be cordoned off. The neighbouring Hong Chi House, which was not affected by the fire, was opened to residents on the 3rd and 4th of this month for a one-time visit to retrieve personal belongings. Each household was allowed to have two people go upstairs at a time for a maximum stay of an hour and a half. Residents started registering and going upstairs on the 3rd.
Residents shared with media outlets that many of their family members lived in Hong Fu Court, with some losing their lives in the fire, adding to the emotional distress of returning to their homes. One elderly woman lamented the loss of over forty years of hard work. Some survivors criticized the government and lawmakers for tolerating poor construction practices, resulting in the use of substandard materials at exorbitant prices. Family members of the victims expressed reluctance to return to the original site even if it is rebuilt in the future.
The only building spared from the fire at the Tai Po Hong Fu Court, Hong Chi House, allowed residents to gradually return on the 3rd and 4th to retrieve valuable items. Other residents from nearby buildings also returned to Hong Fu Court for inspection.
Ms. Wong, a resident of Hong Chi House, returned home on the 4th to take her baby carriage, her children’s school bags, homework, stationery, as well as clothing and valuables. She expressed her fondness for Hong Fu Court, where several family members lived, spread across five units in Hong Chi House and Hong Tai House. She described the situation as unexpected and mentioned that the entire family has been affected by the tragedy.
Ms. Wong is currently staying with relatives, explaining that relocating to government-assigned temporary housing in Yuen Long and Fanling is inconvenient. She hopes for stability and a quick adjustment for her children to return to normal social life. While she wishes to remain in the district where she has resided for over thirty years, she feels conflicted about returning to Hong Chi House due to the emotional turmoil it would entail.
Returning to Hong Fu Court with her husband on the 4th, Mrs. Chan, in her seventies, detailed their three units within the complex. She expressed her inability to sleep well since the fire, feeling the loss of everything she had worked for, including assets amounting to over two million dollars. She appreciated the sense of community and the environment in Tai Po, hoping for government assistance in rebuilding residents’ homes and thanked the support from various sectors of society.
She recounted being at work in mainland China on the day of the fire. Her daughter-in-law initially spotted the fire at Hong Sang House, evacuating her daughter and domestic helper before informing her husband (Mrs. Chan’s son) about the fire. Her husband witnessed the fire spreading and was left devastated by the scene.
Moreover, their granddaughter, preparing for middle school, stands to lose all her awards, certificates, and study materials that could aid in her education due to the fire.
Mr. Sun, a relative of a victim who was not a resident of Hong Fu Court, shared that his 73-year-old father was home alone at the time of the fire and had to be informed by neighbors to escape. Currently placed in transitional housing near Seven Star Lake in Yuen Long, his father is unfamiliar with the area, causing Mr. Sun to describe it as having “nothing.” However, support from social workers is available.
On the 3rd, Mr. Sun mentioned his father’s emotional state, describing an initial decline followed by a gradual improvement in his condition, expressing concerns about the lack of a fair investigation into the cause of the fire. He criticized government practices that perpetuate corruption and disappointment among citizens. Mr. Sun believes that none of the residents in all eight blocks of Hong Fu Court would willingly return, as it would exacerbate emotional pain, which he finds more distressing than physical injuries. He urged for a timely reconstruction plan as the elderly residents may not have time to wait long.
Regarding former Legislative Council member and current District Councilor of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, Ms. Wong Pik-kiu’s intention to report the new Owners’ Corporation, Mr. Sun dismissed the move as hypocritical. Mr. Sun recalled Ms. Wong’s actions over the years in Hong Fu Court and emphasized the lack of true options for residents in the absence of political balance. Reflecting on the new Owners’ Corporation, Mr. Sun finds a sense of practicality in their approach and suggests raising concerns about injustices.
Criticism was directed towards the government’s call for fire victims to vote in the Legislative Council elections, seen as insensitive to the suffering of the victims. Mr. Sun questioned the credibility of the Independent Review Committee reporting directly to the Chief Executive, suggesting the need for more oversight by independent professionals.
Mr. Yu, another victim, criticized the government and Legislative Council members for enabling contractors to use expensive prices but cheap materials, leading to compromised construction standards. He recalled instances of lawmakers supporting contractors through unethical practices to rush project approvals. He expressed his resignation towards the ongoing situation and awaited the government’s resolution. He mentioned previous complaints about debris accumulation in the back lane of Hong Cheong House, ignored by relevant authorities despite repeated reports.
This tragic incident has left its mark on the residents, with emotions running high and uncertainty gripping the community which is now focused on recovery and seeking justice for the losses incurred.