For Ian Chu, capturing one last image of the sea from his home before it was gone forever was a final wish as he returned on Saturday to the scene of the deadly blaze at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court to collect his belongings.
Chu lived in Wang Cheong House, where 81 people died, nearly half of the 168 in total.
“Since the renovations I have not seen the ocean, the sunlight … so I just tried to take as many photos as I could while I had the chance,” he said, showing reporters an image taken from his flat that faces Tolo Harbour.
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All eight blocks at the estate had been under renovation and covered with bamboo scaffolding and mesh since the summer of 2024. Authorities earlier found that substandard netting used by the contractor contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Only Wang Chi House was untouched by the fire.
Chu was among groups of residents from two blocks allowed to return under a 15-day programme that began on Monday to retrieve belongings. Each is permitted three hours in the flat, excluding time spent on the stairs.
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Carrying camping backpacks, suitcases and nylon bags, some wearing protective helmets, residents were escorted by officials to their homes.