Fire at Hong Kong public housing estate forces dozens to evacuate
No casualties reported so far, as blaze that started inside Kwong Fuk Estate flat in Tai Po continues
Firefighters and first responders were called to a Hong Kong public housing estate after a blaze broke out in a flat at about noon Saturday.
Dozens of residents at Kwong Wai House of Kwong Fuk Estate in Tai Po were evacuated. Some escaped to the block’s rooftop.
A resident stricken by smoke inhalation was sent to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and was conscious.
No casualties have been reported so far.
The No 1 alarm fire reportedly broke out inside a flat on a lower floor of the block. The building was later engulfed by black smoke.
A police spokesman said the force had received multiple fire reports at 12.19pm on Saturday. It sent officers to the scene to help in the evacuation.
Firefighters put out the blaze in 40 minutes.
According to the Housing Authority, about 17,200 people live in Kwong Fuk Estate. The public housing development was built in 1983 and consists of eight blocks. It offers 6,200 rental flats in total.