Two twin sisters, both dedicated members of the Hong Kong St. John Ambulance, perished in the devastating five-alarm fire that engulfed Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on December 1. The tragic news, confirmed by the organization and their family on Monday, ended a desperate search following the catastrophic incident. Reports indicate that the sisters, Yam Ting and Yam Kuen, tragically returned to the burning building during their escape attempt, reportedly to rescue a beloved pet cat.
The inferno at Wang Fuk Court resulted in widespread destruction and numerous casualties, prompting immediate public appeals for information regarding missing residents. Among these appeals was an emotional online plea for the whereabouts of the twins, whose last known location was believed to be the rooftop of the structure within the estate.
Devotion and Sacrifice Confirmed
On Monday, December 1, the Hong Kong St. John Ambulance formally announced the deaths of Yam Ting and Yam Kuen, confirming that both women were active members of the reputable organization. This confirmation brought heartbreaking closure to the family, specifically their elder brother, fashion designer Mountain Yam, who subsequently verified the loss.
According to local media accounts of the incident, the sisters were visiting a friend’s apartment in Wang Fuk Court to play mahjong when the fire erupted. They initially attempted to flee the flames, moving toward the rooftop along with two friends. Four people were involved in the escape.
However, a poignant detail emerged regarding their ultimate fate: The twins reportedly diverted their path back to the apartment—a fatal decision made in an attempt to save a cat. They never returned. Their bodies were later recovered and identified. It is understood that the immediate cause of death related to the fire did not involve burn injuries.
Family Shares Unbearable Grief
Mountain Yam took to his social media channels to mourn the loss of his younger siblings, confirming that the family had “lost forever” their “dearest two younger sisters” in the Tai Po tragedy. His heartfelt tribute underscored the profound and overwhelming shock suffered by the family, referring to the news as an “unbearable blow.” He also conveyed deep gratitude to community members and search teams who offered assistance during the preceding days of uncertainty.
The deaths highlight the profound emotional bonds people share with their pets, occasionally leading to dangerous, sacrificial acts during emergencies. Fire safety experts consistently warn against re-entering burning structures, emphasizing that even seemingly brief attempts to retrieve possessions or pets can rapidly turn fatal due to the quick onset of toxic smoke inhalation and rapidly deteriorating structural integrity.
As of the announcement, arrangements for the final farewell and funeral services for Yam Ting and Yam Kuen are still pending finalization. Their loss represents not only a familial tragedy but also a deep blow to the Hong Kong St. John Ambulance, an organization dedicated to saving lives and serving the community. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the immediate and lethal dangers posed by large-scale urban fires.