Residents recall harrowing near-escapes

Survivors of the No 3 blaze at the New Lucky House in Jordan shared their harrowing experiences and near-escapes.

The fire, which killed five people and injured 40, is believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette butt that ignited plastic bags in the building's impluvium, leading to a rapid escalation of the flames.

One remarkable survivor, an 80-year-old woman named Yau, recounted her decision to stay home and the subsequent rescue by firefighters.

Yau, who lives with her son on the seventh floor of New Lucky House, was alone in her flat when the fire broke out. Rather than fleeing, she stayed put.

"I did not run. I stayed at home and covered my nose and mouth with a towel," Yau said. "[Firefighters] have aerial ladders to come up and save me."

The firefighters arrived around 10am, more than two hours after the fire started.

Yau said she initially considered running down the stairs, but her fear of encountering thick smoke deterred her.

She remembered a tragic incident that happened in November 1996 in the now-demolished Garley Building - located near New Lucky House - where multiple individuals died in the staircase.

Yau said she "heard" that a helper died in the staircase of Wednesday's fire and "if I had taken the stairs, I would have died with her. Luckily I did not take the stairs."

Another survivor, Park Jiwon, a South Korean tourist, found himself trapped in the guest house on the first floor when smoke began filling the room.

Unable to exit through the front door due to the dense smoke, Park kicked down a thin wall and made his way toward a nearby construction site. There, he assisted other residents in their escape.

"Eventually, construction workers located a long ladder, facilitating the safe descent of everyone to the construction site," Park said as he praised the workers for their support.

A South Asian mother living in the building credited her dogs with saving her and her daughter's lives. The vigilant animals incessantly barked, alerting them to the danger and allowing them just enough time to escape.

Residents were permitted to briefly return to their homes to collect their belongings yesterday. However many expressed "dissatisfaction" with the chaotic conditions in the 60-year-old building.

As of yesterday morning, more than 20 injured residents remained hospitalized, with at least seven in critical condition.

The Fire Services Department said the building had not undergone the required annual inspections.

Two of the five victims were identified as Ricky, 23, and Bregita, 24, an Indonesian couple who resided in a subdivided unit on the fourth floor, according to sources.

They were employed at a five-star hotel, according to their social media profiles.

On Instagram, their friends reminisced about the couple's amiable nature and down-to-earth personalities, expressing gratitude for the warmth they brought into their lives.

In response to the tragedy, the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced immediate assistance of HK$2.5 million through the Social Welfare Department.

The funds will support the injured individuals and families of the deceased.

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