Residents thank life-saving neighbours, use robots to search charred Wang Fuk Court flats

Some try to find closure, while others say three hours are not enough to pack up and bid farewell

Residents have continued searching for memorabilia in their fire-ravaged homes on the second day of pick-up sessions at Wang Fuk Court, with some seeking help from a robotic device and others expressing gratitude to neighbours who saved their lives during the blaze.

Wang Sun House residents on the middle floors began returning home on Tuesday, with opinions divided over whether three hours were enough to pack and bid farewell.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my neighbour, who knocked on our door to alert my wife and me to escape when the fire broke out,” 40-year-old Jerry Cheung said.

About 6,000 residents have registered with the government to make trips back to their former homes to pick up personal belongings. The home-return arrangement is expected to wrap up on May 4.

Cheung, who lives on the 11th floor, said he was exercising to prepare for his return and hoped to bid farewell to his flat.

He said he would be accompanied by his wife and domestic worker to clear the flat and that three hours would be sufficient, as his unit was not severely damaged.

Some residents sought help from specialised equipment.