A Hong Kong Fire Survivor’s Escape, in His Own Words

William Li recounts the harrowing night his apartment turned into an inferno

When the flames erupted in the high‑rise complex on June 12, William Li, a 34‑year‑old resident, found himself thrust into a fight for survival. He, along with two neighbors, managed to stay alive until rescuers arrived, and today he shares every detail of that terrifying ordeal.

“It started with a loud crack and a smell of burning plastic,” Li recalled, his voice still shaking. “Within seconds, the hallway was filled with thick, black smoke. The fire spread faster than anything I’ve ever seen.”

Li quickly realized that staying inside the apartment was a death sentence. He and his neighbors, Mrs. Chan, 58, and Mr. Ho, 42, made a split‑second decision to head for the fire‑escape stairwell. The trio grabbed a wet towel to cover their mouths, hoping it would filter out the choking smoke.

“The stairs were already hot, and the metal railings were glowing,” Li described. “We had to move slowly, because every step felt like walking on a furnace.” The three clung to each other, supporting one another as the heat intensified.

Reaching the 12th floor, they found the emergency exit door jammed. With no other choice, Li used a heavy wooden chair to pry it open. “It took every ounce of strength I had, but finally the door gave way, and we could see the night sky outside,” he said.

Outside, a crowd of onlookers and fire‑fighters had already gathered. Paramedics rushed to the scene, providing immediate medical attention to the three survivors, who suffered minor smoke inhalation but no serious injuries.

Reflecting on the experience, Li emphasized the importance of preparedness. “I never imagined I would be in such a situation. Now I keep a fire‑extinguisher in my kitchen and make sure everyone knows the escape routes.”

The incident has prompted the building’s management to review safety protocols and install additional fire alarms and sprinklers. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze, but Li hopes his story will serve as a reminder that quick thinking and cooperation can make the difference between life and death.