Wang Fuk Court residents recall daunting experience on 4th day of public hearing

發佈日期: 2026-03-26 20:21

TVB News

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The Independent Committee investigating the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po held its fourth hearing on Thursday, with more residents of Wang Fuk Court testifying. 

On the fourth day of the hearing, witnesses testified under the guidance of the committee's chief representative, senior counsel Victor Dawes.

Ms Wong, the first resident to report the fire to the Police said she heard scaffolding workers shouting "fire!" and suspected that the scaffolding had caught fire.

The resident, who lived on the 10th floor of Wang Cheung House, recalled that at 2:50 PM that day, she smelled smoke and heard scaffolding workers shouting "Fire!" She immediately closed the window and left. 

Upon exiting, she got to know that neighbours had called the management office and was told, "something was burning on the scaffolding." She then called 999 to report the incident, but the line was "busy" two or three times.

The government's lawyer indicated that according to records, she was the first resident to report the fire. 

She said she waited for a long time. The call finally connected, and the person on the other end told her to escape down the stairs. 

Ms Sin was another resident witness, who lived on the 14th floor of Wang Tai House. 

She recalled being trapped in her home that day. 

Upon opening the door, she saw thick smoke, immediately closed it, and used a wet towel to block the doorway. 

The unit still had power, so she turned on the exhaust fan and a regular fan to blow away the smoke, finding it effective. 

She also sprayed water on the overhead wire scaffolding netting. She called 999, saying the operator skillfully reassured her. Around 9 pm, firefighters knocked on her door, put a mask on her, and led her up the stairs to escape. 

The firefighters told her, "There's a "large doll" on the 12th floor, don't be afraid," and "You'll be safe once you step over it." 

Afterwards, the firefighters removed the body. She said the firefighters didn't cause any further harm to the body, and she was "very moved," describing them as the pride of Hong Kong.

Ms Sin said the firefighters saved my life. She thanked them for saving her life, and also the 999 operator.

Independent Committee Chairman David Lok praised Ms Sin, describing her as a source of pride for Hong Kong. He noted that she thought of so many ways to save herself in a crisis, and that her testimony helped the committee and brought positive energy to Hong Kong.