Families of Hong Kong firemen who died fighting inferno get up to HK$4.8m in aid

Families of the two firemen who died fighting the Ngau Tau Kok inferno last month have received up to HK$4.86 million in financial aid from the government.

Senior station officer Thomas Cheung and senior fireman Samuel Hui Chi-kit were killed while battling the fire at Amoycan Industrial Building, which broke out on June 21 and raged for 108 hours.

The government on Thursday granted HK$4.86 million to Cheung’s family and HK$4.5 million to Hui’s in recognition of the men’s courage.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said in a statement: “The late Mr Cheung and the late Mr Hui demonstrated a high degree of gallantry and selflessness to save and protect the lives of others. They spared no effort in saving and protecting the lives of others, risking their own lives even in the face of grave danger.

“They made huge contributions to Hong Kong and their professionalism and self-sacrifice command our greatest respect.”

The grants were given under a financial assistance scheme that helps relatives of those who lose their lives while attempting to save or protect others. The scheme was launched in 2002 and the amount is worked out according to a formular related to the median monthly earnings and age of the deceased. The payment is capped at HK$9 million, with the minimum set at HK$4.5 million.

According to the Civil Service Bureau, a bereaved family could also receive a death payment of 36 months’ final salary, and children may continue to receive education allowances until the age of 19.