A residential flat in an old building in Temple Street in Jordan caught ablaze Wednesday at around 6 pm, causing a woman to be injured.
A large amount of black smoke was seen billowing into the sky, as residents nearby also heard explosions from the flat.
Firefighters evacuated residents to a safe position and deployed one fire hose and one breathing apparatus team to fight the blaze. A woman was injured in the incident and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei for treatment.
After preliminary investigation, police officers said foul play might be involved in the fire and have listed the case as arson.
Sources at the scene said the flat is supposed to be vacant and locked, but it was opened while firefighters arrived.
“We cannot rule out possibilities that someone barged into the flat and lived inside or stole electricity from it,” sources added.
Due to the incident, stalls at the nearby Temple Street Night Market also had to suspend operation for a day.
The Yau Tsim Mong District Office announced that it has opened a temporary shelter at Henry G. Leong Yaumatei Community Centre on Public Square Street for residents in need.
“The district office will closely monitor the situation, and liaise with other government departments to provide residents with appropriate assistance,” it added.
