People driven away by the fire that tore through most of Wang Fuk Court continued on Monday to salvage what they could from flats in uninhabitable blocks and say emotional goodbyes to places they had called home for decades.

The returnees on Monday were from Wang Cheong and Wang Tao blocks.

Like many others, a man surnamed Lo came back for belongings that held special meaning to him and to bid farewell to his home.

"[I want to retrieve] sentimental items such as those left by my late parents," he said.

"I want to say goodbye to my home, where I had lived for decades. I will leave a note chronicling my memories of the place."

Another man, surnamed Tse, returned to his Wang Tao House home to retrieve a Bible and an instant hot water dispenser used by his mother for medication.

When asked what he wanted to do most inside his flat, he said: “Sit on the sofa. That was the most comfortable spot in my home.”

Tse’s mother would not walk up because of old age and lack of stamina.

She said her son would video call her after getting inside their flat so that she could have a final look.

“This is my home. If I had been able to go up myself, I could have taken whatever I want. It’s also exhausting for the younger ones,” she added.

Thirteen-year-old Eden came back to say goodbye to a place he had called home for almost half his young life.

“I hope to get my award certificates and medals which I got from mathematical competitions. I asked to come back here. I want to see my home for one last time,” he said.


Edited by Tony Sabine