Residents return to fire-ravaged housing estate in Hong Kong SAR

The fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex killed 168 people after spreading through seven of eight residential blocks in November, making it the city’s deadliest blaze in decades.

Around 6,000 residents are being allowed to enter their flats in scheduled three-hour time slots, with authorities aiming to complete the process by early May.

Severe damage across housing blocks

More than 1,700 apartments are being accessed under controlled conditions. Officials say over 920 homes were damaged, with some completely destroyed.

Affected areas remain cordoned off as designated danger zones, while structural reinforcement work continues. Residents are required to wear protective equipment including masks, helmets and gloves while inside the buildings.

Emotional return for survivors

Many residents described the return as emotionally difficult, with limited time inside their homes adding to the stress of recovery.

Some residents prepared tools and supplies in advance to help retrieve belongings from dust- and debris-filled flats, as access conditions remain restricted.

Others expressed concern that three hours was not enough time to recover items from homes they had lived in for decades.

Uncertain future for displaced families

Authorities have offered to repurchase affected apartments at pre-fire market values, although rebuilding the complex on the same site has been described as not feasible.

Many residents have been relocated to temporary housing near the estate, where they are currently allowed to stay until the end of the year.

Displaced families continue to face uncertainty over long-term accommodation, with some expressing concern about future housing options while trying to recover personal and family belongings from the damaged site.