Every time I'm called a hero, my heart shatters - Hong Kong fire survivor

William Li, a lifelong resident of Hong Kong, has been struggling with the label of "hero" after helping his neighbours escape a devastating fire that consumed the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex. While praised for his actions, Li is tormented by the thought that he might have saved more lives in the disaster that claimed at least 159 victims.

"My heart breaks every time someone calls me a hero," the 40-year-old said, tears streaming down his face.

One week after the catastrophe, firefighters continue to search the seven damaged high-rise buildings for the remains of around 30 residents who were home when the fire broke out. An independent investigation has been launched by Hong Kongs chief executive to determine the cause of the fire and why more residents did not escape. Early findings show that non-fire-resistant netting had been installed on the building and that fire alarms were malfunctioning.

The failure of the alarms contributed to Lis initial underestimation of the danger. When his wife called to alert him of the fire at Wang Cheong House, he spent nearly ten minutes gathering belongings instead of immediately evacuating. Only when he opened his door did he confront thick smoke and realize the severity of the blaze. Lis wife panicked over the phone, but he focused on protecting himself and his neighbours.

Using wet towels to block smoke, Li navigated the hallway by touch, discovering two neighbours whom he guided to the relative safety of his apartment. In a nearby building, 66-year-old Bai Shui Lin also tried to warn others, reportedly saving multiple families before tragically losing her life. Her sons later identified her body.

Li recalls hearing another voice calling for an elderly woman in the smoke-filled corridor but could not determine what happened to that person. "I feel very guilty," he admitted, reflecting on those he was unable to save.

Among the victims were several domestic workers, including nine Indonesians and one Filipino. Some, like 28-year-old Rhodora Alcaraz, survived after protecting an infant and elderly relative in another flat. Firefighters eventually rescued them all, but not before Alcaraz sent distress messages to her sister describing her struggle to breathe.

As hours passed, Li and the couple he was sheltering realized their escape options were limited. One fire exit was blocked, and another was reportedly locked. Fearing the flames and explosions, they avoided jumping from a window. The buildings property manager has not commented on reports about the locked emergency exit.

"It was the first time I felt death was close to me," Li said. He sent farewell messages to friends, asking them to care for his children if he did not survive. About two and a half hours after the fire began, firefighters reached them via an aerial ladder. Li insisted that the older couple be evacuated first, despite their protests.

Li found it difficult to leave his home, filled with cherished memories, photography equipment, and toys. "The fire showed me that I could not save anything, that it had the power to consume everything," he said.

Reunited with his family at a nearby restaurant, Li only fully felt the trauma once admitted to the hospital. "When I reached the emergency room, my knees gave in, and the burning smell lingered. I just wanted to wash it away," he recalled. At 3 a.m., he finally had a moment to cry and begin processing the experience. Unlike previous hospital visits, he did not want to leave immediately, knowing the emotional challenges that lay ahead.

Li has chosen to confront the aftermath directly, speaking to the media to demand accountability and justice for the residents of Wang Fuk Court. "I hope many people will come forward to help uncover the truth," he said. "The residents deserve answers and justice."

Author: Zoe Harrison