At around 3 a.m. on December 13, a sudden fire broke out in a high-rise residential building in Chau Chak Yuen, Tin Shui Wai, Hong Kong (China), jolting over 400 residents awake and forcing them to flee in their sleepwear during the early morning chaos.
The alarm rang through the densely populated apartment complex, evoking memories of the recent Tai Po fire incident. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported this time, according to local authorities.
Firefighters swiftly arrived at the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze. One individual, a 51-year-old single man surnamed Tse, was rescued from the burning unit and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He was found with visible burns and in a distressed psychological state, but conscious.
“The victim was still awake when found, though emotionally unstable and injured. He remains in critical condition and is currently under treatment,” police stated.
Images from the scene show exhausted residents wrapped in blankets and robes, standing outside in the early morning chill while firefighters secured the premises. While there were no other casualties or significant property damage reported, the incident has raised concerns due to its suspicious origin.
Fire investigators confirmed that the blaze began in the kitchen area and found signs consistent with intentional fire-setting. The case is now being treated as arson, and Mr. Tse, the homeowner of the unit where the fire started, is currently listed as a suspect. Authorities are actively investigating the motive behind the alleged act.
The event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of high-density urban living and the importance of quick emergency responses in averting disaster.
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