For Lost Love in the Unit: Wang Fuk Residents Train for Days to Climb Dozens of Floors for Retrieval

Today (May 3rd) marks the 14th day for Wang Fuk residents to return in batches to retrieve their belongings. Residents of Wang Shing House and Wang Tai House continued their turns to go upstairs to collect possessions.

Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Wong, who lives on the 25th floor of Wong Tai House, went upstairs with his 70-year-old mother. He said they had been climbing stairs over the past few days to build up their stamina, hoping to make it slowly to the floor they live. He described his mother as having a deep attachment to the unit, having lived there for more than 40 years, and insisted on making the climb herself despite her age.

Mr. Wong, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Wong said his main goal was to retrieve family photos, items his father had left behind, and watches, though he worried they might already have been taken. "I was a bit nervous and didn't sleep too well in the past days," he admitted.

After finishing the retrieval, Mr. Wong said he had managed to collect most of the things that mattered to him, including photo albums, sentimental family keepsakes, and some cash. Having lived in Wang Fuk Court for over 40 years, he admitted to feeling reluctant when leaving his unit. "But everyone is safe after the fire; that alone is a blessing," he said.

Mr. Wong, Photo by Bastille Post

He noted that the climb with his mother took about 10 to 20 minutes, and the whole process went smoothly. He added that he had largely completed his retrieval and was still deciding whether to return. "We've taken most of the things. We'll see when the time comes."

Ms. Kwong, Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Kwong, who lives on the 18th floor of Wang Shing House, bought her unit with her boyfriend a few years ago. Though they had already renovated the unit and gotten ready to get married, the fire forced them to postpone the wedding. She said her greatest hope was to find her diamond engagement ring, which she had left on a table and now feared might have been stolen. Ms. Kwong said the floor she lived on was less severely affected, and that her belongings might still be intact. She came prepared with large bags, backpacks, tape, pens, and newspapers, hoping to take away her most treasured possessions.

Ms. Kwong, Photo by Bastille Post

She admitted that she had already expected to feel emotional upon returning to her unit. "Previously, when you came home from work, the surroundings were all green, and there were plenty of parks. Now, when you walk in, it just turns into a ruin," she said. However, she also said that after such a long time, she had mentally prepared herself and felt calmer than in the early days. As for her wedding, there is still no decision on when it might take place. "Right now we have to deal with what's in front of us first," she said, adding that she would make plans once everything has settled down.

Ms Tam, Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Tam, a resident of Wang Shing House, went upstairs with her three siblings to collect their belongings. She said conditions inside the unit were better than expected. "It wasn't as badly burned as we thought. We were lucky," she said. Given three hours to retrieve the items, she and her family completed in about an hour, successfully retrieving her rings, bracelets, family photos, and other keepsakes.

Ms. Tam's sister (left) and Ms. Tam (right), Photo by Bastille Post

Her younger sister, who accompanied her, explained that since the unit had already been scheduled for a major renovation, there were not many possessions inside. Consequently, they were unfazed by the damage. "We think only taking back what has sentimental value is enough." She added that the greatest value of returning was seeing the inner condition of the unit with her own eyes. When asked whether the family might one day return to live here, she admitted it was unlikely. Even if the site were rebuilt, she said, it would possibly take more than a decade. Her hope, instead, is to move into a new home as soon as possible. She called on the government to offer residents more choices in resettlement arrangements and expressed deep sympathy for those who lost family members in the fire. In her view, the loss for them is simply beyond repair.

Seven fire-affected buildings at Wang Fuk Court will be open to residents again for the retrieval of belongings from May 21 to 29. The first batch of residents to return is from Wang Tai House, Wang Sun House, and Wang Yan House. Each unit may be accessed by up to four residents, who may stay inside for up to three hours, with no restrictions on the number of entries and exits.

Wang Fuk Court, Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Ho, a Wang Tai resident who has lived there since 1985, said she had already retrieved most of her belongings earlier. This time, she wanted to go through every corner carefully. "Since I have lived in Wang Fuk Court for so many years, I have a deep affection for every part of this place," she said. Despite the heavy rainfall today, she continued her retrieval as scheduled. "I want to take a second, careful look at my home."

Ms. Ho, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Wan, who has also lived in Wang Yan House since 1985, said his greatest wish this time was to retrieve a photo taken more than a decade ago - a picture of his father holding him in their family shop. He grew up in that store and treasures the memory. Mr. Wan revealed that during the previous retrieval, most of his home remained intact, and he had already recovered gold jewelry and the house deed. "I'd be satisfied just to get back a stack of photos this time," he said. Mr. Wan is currently living in government-provided transitional housing, though he believes the living environment needs improvement: "It's hard to cook, the bathroom is tiny, and when it poured yesterday, water leaked right through the ceiling."

Mr. Wan, Photo by Bastille Post

Mrs. Kwok, who lives on a lower floor of Wang Tai House, returned to her old home to retrieve her belongings. She packed up an undamaged umbrella — not particularly valuable, she admitted, but "better than nothing." She also recovered some small souvenirs and her son's Octopus card. Describing her mixed emotions, she said she was grateful to see her old neighbors again, yet could not hide her sadness in the face of the disaster. Choking back tears during the interview, she said, "I'm so grateful that so many people have come to help us. I'm very happy that I can come up again today and retrace the memories of the past." She added that she had known the family in unit 802 for many years and had watched their children grow up. She revealed that the neighbor's father had died in the fire and that many of the neighbors she knew also lost their lives. Mrs. Kwok said she is currently staying in Kai Tak, while her husband is temporarily living at their son's home.

Mrs. Kwok, Photo by Bastille Post

Wang Fuk Court, Photo by Bastille Post

Seven fire-affected buildings at Wang Fuk Court will be open to residents again for the retrieval of belongings from May 21 to 29. Photo by Bastille Post