Read More
Suspected faulty lighting fixtures were said to be the cause of a devastating electrical fire in a 60-year-old residential building in Mong Kok's Sai Yee Street late on Thursday, killing three male residents and two cats in Hong Kong's deadliest blaze this year.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Read more: Three killed, including 6-year-old boy, in devastating Mong Kok apartment fire
The tragedy unfolded around 11 pm yesterday in a second-floor connected flat at Kin Wong Mansion Phase 2.
Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit in ceiling light fixtures ignited the blaze, which rapidly engulfed the 90-square-meter unit filled with clutter. The inferno blocked the main exit with thick smoke and flames, trapping four occupants inside.
Firefighters forced entry to rescue 75-year-old female homeowner Au and three male relatives - her 53-year-old son, 80-year-old partner, and 6-year-old great-grandson.
While Au survived by reaching a window facing Sai Yee Street, the three men were found unconscious in the kitchen and bathroom areas, believed to have succumbed to smoke inhalation. Two pet cats - a Scottish Fold and British Shorthair - also perished in the flames.
Chaotic nighttime evacuation
Residents described panic as smoke filled the aging building's corridors.
"We woke to shouting and could barely see through the smoke," said one neighbor who escaped with her dog. Others barricaded themselves inside with wet towels as firefighters evacuated 48 residents (20 men and 28 women) to safety.
The building lost power in common areas due to water damage from firefighting efforts, leaving stairwells in darkness until electricians could make repairs this morning.
Government chemists and forensic teams remained on scene throughout the day collecting evidence, including three fluorescent light fixtures suspected to be the fire's origin.
By 2pm today, Mong Kok police investigators had removed multiple pieces of evidence and confirmed no foul play was suspected.
(Marco Lam)
