A 60-year-old man who set fire to his public housing flat in a suicide attempt, causing the death of a young neighbor, was ordered to be detained indefinitely in a psychiatric hospital.
The High Court heard that defendant Fung Chun-kwai, who has suffered from personality deterioration since 2001, lived alone in his Sun Tin Wai Estate flat after his wife and children moved out. He had previously attempted suicide and was frequently hospitalized.
On April 24, 2022, Fung, worried that his unit would be repossessed after he failed to use the government’s “LeaveHomeSafe” app, set fire to flammable items in his living room and at the flat entrance. He later tried but failed to put out the blaze.
The fire spread quickly, forcing about 400 residents to evacuate. A 28-year-old man, surnamed Xiu, and his grandmother were trapped on a balcony. Xiu later died in hospital from severe carbon monoxide poisoning, while several others were injured.
Originally charged with murder, Fung pleaded manslaughter and intentional arson on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Judge Wilson Chan Ka-shun noted Fung’s long history of schizophrenia, delusions, and prior suicide attempts. Psychiatric reports confirmed diminished responsibility, impaired judgment, and a high risk of further violence or self-harm.
Describing the case as a tragedy, Chan said public safety must come first. He imposed an indefinite hospital order to ensure Fung receives proper treatment under supervision.
