It has been about five months since the major fire at Hong Fuk Court in Tai Po. Except for Hong Chi House, residents of the other seven affected blocks—more than 1,730 households—can go upstairs in batches to collect their belongings from Monday (20th) until May 4. On the first three days, residents of Hong San House take the lead. Tuesday (21st) marks the second day, and by around 8:30 am, residents had already gathered at Exit B of MTR Tai Po Market Station to take a free shuttle coach to the Kwong Fuk Community Hall for registration. Residents arriving at the registration point brought along boxes, red-white-blue bags, and backpacks to help carry valuable items they may recover. Among the residents were elderly people with white hair, and some were even using canes.
Mr. Keung, a resident of Hong San House, arrived today with three family members, a total of four people, equipped to go upstairs to pack up belongings. He said going up and down stairs was not a problem for him since he regularly exercised. He expressed that he hoped to retrieve his wife's dowry, including dragon and phoenix bangles, jewelry, wedding photos, and rings, as well as a collection of "limited edition" toys he has kept for more than a decade.
He said: "I'm a little worried the jewelry might have been stolen, but I did hide it very deep, maybe even in a place I myself can't remember—hopefully I can find it."
Mr. Keung said he has lived at Hong Fuk Court for about six years, "moved in after getting married." Today, when going in and out to pack, he planned to take a photo with the unit: "Say 'BYE BYE' to the flat," as he still felt strongly attached to it.
He said he's feeling heavy-hearted. He originally owned a unit here, but for the past few months had to rent elsewhere. He hopes the government "can quickly arrange for us to have a proper place to live."
In addition, he was also looking forward to seeing neighbors today, saying that a neighbor had knocked on their door during the incident and "saved my wife". When the neighbor knocked, "he told me we needed to leave (escape)—I really want to thank him. If not for him, I don’t know what would have happened to my family." He added that he might not see the neighbor today: "Even if I can't see him, I’d like to say thank you here." He also said, "The government's arrangements are OK, but it’d be best if we can get a new home as soon as possible." As for charitable donations, he stated that after his case is resolved, he will donate any remaining funds to allow these organizations to help others in need.