Hong Kong building residents return to collect belongings after deadly blaze, as some complain of long-standing safety worries
- Residents begin trickling back to 60-year-old building where blaze killed five and injured 43 the day before, with access allowed for some to retrieve belongings
- Some voice frustration at long-standing safety worries, blaming owners’ corporation over inaction despite warnings and official orders
Dozens of tenants gathered outside the 60-year-old New Lucky House in Yau Ma Tei on Thursday morning, a day after the fire, with police officers accompanying some of the upper-floor residents inside. They later left with luggage and trolleys, while firefighters also helped the elderly carry their belongings.
The building’s water supply and electricity have not yet resumed. Government workers from various departments were deployed at the scene.
Ching Po-kiu, 70, visited the 16-storey building in the morning hoping to check her mother’s flat. She said safety concerns were a long-standing headache.
“The guest houses always leave belongings in the corridor,” said Ching, pointing to examples such as clothes and pillows being left out. “We have raised the issue to the property management but they haven’t done anything.”
Ching said she was worried about the safety of her mother, who did not want to move out.
