Blaze at Hong Kong construction site upgraded; 2 tower cranes at risk of collapsing
- Emergency crews called to Tin Shui Wai site around 1.20pm with fire upgraded at 9.31pm; temperature at blaze scene near 500 degrees Celsius, official says
- About 150 workers fled the site soon after the fire started
Two tower cranes are at risk of collapsing at a Hong Kong construction site where a fierce blaze has been burning since early afternoon.
About 150 workers fled the site on Hung Nga Road in Tin Shui Wai soon after the blaze started around 1.20pm on Tuesday. No casualties have been reported.
It was upgraded to a No 3 alarm fire at 2.44pm and then again at 9.31pm to a No 4 alarm. In Hong Kong, fires are rated on a scale of one to five according to their seriousness.
Fire services acting divisional officer Hui Kwong-ho said the site was large, measuring 70 metres by 80 metres, and contained a significant quantity of construction materials, which along with very high temperatures posed extra challenges for firefighters.
The temperature at the fire was nearly 500 degrees Celsius, he said.
There was also a large number of oxyacetylene cylinders, which increased the intensity of the flames and prompted the deployment of a firefighting robot to minimise the risks faced by personnel, Hui said.
The department had also dispatched drones to conduct high-altitude fire inspections.