Hong Kong launches probe as high-rise flat fire kills man, critically injures wife
Investigation under way into Yuen Long flat fire that killed man, injured his wife and forced 435 to evacuate, with foul play not ruled out
Hong Kong authorities are investigating a fire at a high-rise flat in the northwestern New Territories that killed a 56-year-old man and critically injured his wife, with investigators not ruling out criminal involvement.
The fire broke out on Sunday morning at Yoho Town, a private housing estate on Yuen Lung Street in Yuen Long, prompting the evacuation of 435 residents, according to police and the Fire Services Department.
Officers received a report at around 6.19am on Sunday, saying that thick smoke and flames were billowing from an upper-floor flat. Firefighters were dispatched and extinguished the blaze by 6.42am.
Chow Tze-ho, assistant divisional officer of the Fire Services Department, said the blaze was suspected to have originated in the living room. The couple was found unconscious in the bedroom of the 40 square metre (430 sq ft) mid-floor flat.
“During the operation, firefighters had to break into the unit and rescue a man and a woman, where paramedics provided immediate emergency medical treatment on-site,” Chow said.
The male victim, 56, who was discovered with no pulse or signs of breathing, was later pronounced dead at the nearby Pok Oi Hospital. His 54-year-old wife was transferred from Tuen Mun Hospital to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for specialised care.
