Pat Sin Leng wildfire survivor steps down from HK Burns Association after heavy criticism

Pat Sin Leng fire survivor and Top Young Person Award recipient Stanley Cheung has resigned as vice-chairperson of the Hong Kong Burns Association after receiving heavy criticism.

In the wake of the Taipei waterpark fire disaster, which has so far killed two and injured over 500, Cheung flew to Taiwan and interviewed some of the victims’ families. Netizens said his visit was a publicity stunt, and accused him of exploiting the situation for personal gain, reports the SCMP

Cheung resigned from the Hong Kong Burns Association, saying he felt unable to lead the organisation with his current reputation coming under attack, and that he did not wish to see the organisation’s own reputation affected as well. 

Critics suggested that Cheung asked members of the media to come to the hospital where some of the victims were being treated. 

Others, rather cruelly, said that Cheung’s scarred appearance may have caused further distress to the victims. 

Cheung suffered burns to more than 60 percent of his body in the Pat Sin Leng fire disaster of February 1996, which killed two teachers, three students, and injured 13 more. To this day it remains the worst wildfire in Hong Kong history. 

A family of the Taiwan fire victim from Hong Kong told Mingpao that Cheung came to visit the victims at their request, while a friend of another victim stated that Cheung did not enter the ward, but only provided families with advice about post-trauma management after he was given consent. 

The Hong Kong Burns Association issued a statement on its Facebook page on Saturday in response to rumours that Cheung had started the Pat Sin Leng fire himself, rejecting the criticism and emphasising that the Taiwan fire victims had requested assistance from Cheung and his colleagues.

The organisation also stated that they worked independently from the press, and expressed their “anger and disappointment” at the criticism relating to Cheung’s appearance.

Photo: Screenshot via YouTube
 

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