William Li has struggled with the label 'hero' since helping his neighbours escape the fire which engulfed the Hong Kong block of flats he had called home since birth. Instead, he is haunted by guilt that he could have saved more people from the blaze at Wang Fuk Court, which left at least 159 people dead. 'My heart breaks every time someone calls me a hero,' says the 40-year-old, breaking down in tears.
A week on from the disaster, firefighters are still combing the complex of seven burnt-out high rises for the remains of 30 of Mr. Li's neighbours - people who, like him, had the misfortune to be at home when the deadly fire began. What caused the fire to start, and why more people did not escape, is now the subject of an independent committee's investigation, ordered by Hong Kong's chief executive.
Already, it has been revealed that non-fire resistant netting had been fitted around the building, and the fire alarms were not working properly.
The fact alarms did not go off was the reason why Mr. Li was not more worried when his wife called to tell him a fire had started in their building, Wang Cheong House. Instead of rushing, he spent almost 10 minutes packing belongings. But the moment he opened the door, the extent of the disaster was all too clear: he was engulfed in billowing smoke and had to retreat inside his flat.
Despite emerging as a rescuer, Li felt helpless when he heard cries for assistance from others trapped in the corridor. 'I feel very guilty,' he said, reflecting on those he could not save. The tragic events have left a deep emotional mark on him; he now faces a struggle toward healing while the community seeks justice and answers.
With ongoing investigations into the causes of the fire and the tragic loss of many lives, Mr. Li hopes that by sharing his story, it will help shed light on the truth and assist in providing closure for the families affected. 'I hope Wang Fuk Court residents will be given answers and justice,' he asserts.
A week on from the disaster, firefighters are still combing the complex of seven burnt-out high rises for the remains of 30 of Mr. Li's neighbours - people who, like him, had the misfortune to be at home when the deadly fire began. What caused the fire to start, and why more people did not escape, is now the subject of an independent committee's investigation, ordered by Hong Kong's chief executive.
Already, it has been revealed that non-fire resistant netting had been fitted around the building, and the fire alarms were not working properly.
The fact alarms did not go off was the reason why Mr. Li was not more worried when his wife called to tell him a fire had started in their building, Wang Cheong House. Instead of rushing, he spent almost 10 minutes packing belongings. But the moment he opened the door, the extent of the disaster was all too clear: he was engulfed in billowing smoke and had to retreat inside his flat.
Despite emerging as a rescuer, Li felt helpless when he heard cries for assistance from others trapped in the corridor. 'I feel very guilty,' he said, reflecting on those he could not save. The tragic events have left a deep emotional mark on him; he now faces a struggle toward healing while the community seeks justice and answers.
With ongoing investigations into the causes of the fire and the tragic loss of many lives, Mr. Li hopes that by sharing his story, it will help shed light on the truth and assist in providing closure for the families affected. 'I hope Wang Fuk Court residents will be given answers and justice,' he asserts.
