At least 5 dead, over 30 injured after fire in Hong Kong building
Hong Kong Free Press
At least five people have died and over 30 have been injured after a fire broke out in a building in Jordan on Wednesday morning.
Police said they received multiple reports of a fire at New Lucky House at the intersection of Jordan Road and Nathan Road just before 8 am. The blaze was raised to a number three fire at 8.04 am, according to the Fire Services Department.
Videos from the scene showed thick smoke coming out of the building and people could be seen waving towels to call for help, while firefighters evacuated those trapped inside using elevated platforms.
The fire caused traffic disruptions in the area, with parts of Jordan Road and Nathan Road cordoned off.
Three men and two women died, police said, while 33 were injured.
Police said they were yet to confirm where the fire broke out. Some local media reports said the fire originated from a hostel on the first floor of the building, while other outlets reported that it began in a gym.
The injured were sent to hospitals including Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Kwong Wah Hospital, police told HKFP.
The government said it had opened a temporary shelter at the Henry G. Leong Yau Ma Tei Community Centre in the area for those in need.
In a statement just before noon on Wednesday, Chief Executive John Lee expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
The statement added that he was highly concerned about the incident and had instructed authorities, including the police force and the Fire Services Department, to investigate the cause of the fire.
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https://hongkongfp.com/2024/04/10/at-least-5-dead-27-injured-after-fire-in-hong-kong-building/