Hong Kong Fire Survivors Return to Ruined Homes Months After Deadly Blaze

Residents affected by Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades were allowed to return to their damaged homes on Monday under strict government supervision, as many searched for belongings that may have survived the disaster.

The blaze, which tore through seven 31-storey residential towers in the Tai Po district last November, claimed 168 lives and left thousands displaced. The scale of the tragedy surpassed that of the Grenfell Tower fire, marking one of the worst residential disasters in recent history.

On Monday, about 270 former residents visited the site, part of a phased plan expected to accommodate around 6,000 people. Each visit is limited to three hours, with strict safety measures in place. Residents are required to wear helmets, gloves and face masks while inside the charred buildings.

Among them was Steven Chung, 50, who said he managed to retrieve some valuables from his apartment. He described the experience as difficult, adding that his main concern now is securing affordable housing after losing his home.

Others reported mixed emotions as they sifted through the remains. A resident surnamed Leung said he was able to recover his wedding ring, which remained intact despite the destruction. Images from inside the flats showed walls blackened by smoke and debris scattered across rooms, with only a handful of items left undamaged.

A 67-year-old woman, identified as Tsang, said she located her burnt jewellery box beneath her bed, calling it the only item she could salvage. Many residents were seen leaving the complex carrying personal belongings such as bicycles, electronics and artwork.

The visits are being closely monitored by authorities. Around 1,000 personnel, including firefighters, have been deployed to assist residents and ensure safety. Officials are escorting individuals into their flats, with access restricted to a maximum of four people per unit, and fewer in severely damaged apartments.

Warner Cheuk, Hong Kong’s deputy chief secretary, urged residents to follow the rules during the process, which will continue until early May. The site remains heavily secured with barriers and patrols.

A significant portion of those affected are elderly, with data indicating more than one-third of residents were over the age of 65. Many continue to face uncertainty months after the fire, particularly regarding housing and compensation.

Investigations into the cause of the blaze are ongoing. An independent committee began hearings in March, examining possible failures in fire safety systems and allegations linked to construction practices. Officials have indicated that human error may have played a role.

The government has ruled out rebuilding the complex, citing time constraints and uncertainty. Authorities have instead proposed a plan to buy out property owners, with an estimated cost of HK$4 billion.

As survivors revisit what remains of their homes, questions over accountability and recovery continue to dominate public attention.