In an emotional press conference on Monday, a senior police commander's voice broke on Monday as she provided the public with a somber update on the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court.
Chief Superintendent Tsang Shuk-yin from the Casualty Enquiry Unit struggled to maintain composure as she addressed the devastating reality that not all victims may be recovered from the ashes.
The Disaster Victim Identification Unit (DVIU) has completed searches of five out of seven buildings in the complex. Efforts are now focused on the remaining two: Wang Cheung House and Wang Sun House.
Tsang emphasized that the final casualty count would only be confirmed once all seven blocks had been thoroughly inspected.
"As some remains have been burned to ashes, we cannot rule out the possibility that in the end, we may not be able to bring all the missing persons out," she sobbed when giving the updates. With eyes reddening, she took a moment to regain her composure, offering a simple apology to the gathered media.
Next to her, Regional Commander of New Territories North Amy Lam Man-han gently patted Tsang's shoulder and expressed gratitude to all frontline staff from various departments while she fought back tears.
Lam reported that conditions within Wang Cheung House, identified as the site where the fire originated, remain extremely challenging.
She added that bodies have been found both inside flats and in public areas like corridors and staircases.
While some structures continue to pose risks due to instability, Lam noted that search teams have cautiously entered stabilized units to expedite the ongoing operation, which aims to be completed within three weeks.
"The team only has one mission – to uncover personal items or clues that could facilitate identity verification, allowing families a final farewell," Lam stated.
