A morning blaze in Yuen Long has killed one man and left his wife in critical condition, forcing the evacuation of more than 430 residents.
Police received multiple reports around 6.20am about a fire that broke out in a unit at Yoho Town.
Firefighters arrived within three minutes and deployed one water jet to put out the flames after around 20 minutes.
Upon entering the affected unit, firefighters discovered an unconscious couple in the bedroom. The pair were rushed to Pok Oi Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, the 56-year-old man, who was found to have no pulse at the scene, was later pronounced dead.
His 54-year-old wife was later transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.
During the operation, approximately 435 residents were evacuated to safety. Preliminary investigations indicate the fire originated in the living room, with a suspected electrical short circuit in a household appliance.
The Fire Service Department confirmed that the building’s fire safety equipment was operational and held valid annual certificates.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a criminal inquiry.
