3 people injured, 4 cats dead after power bank catches fire in Hong Kong flat
Three people have been injured and four cats have died after a power bank caught fire in a public housing flat in Hong Kong, forcing nearly 80 residents to evacuate onto the street. Police said they received a report at 2.51am on Thursday from a resident that a power bank inside her flat at So Uk Estate in Cheung Sha Wan had caught fire and that she managed to escape in time. Multiple other calls…
Three individuals were hospitalized and four cats perished when a power bank ignited a fire in a public housing building in Hong Kong, compelling around 80 residents to flee their homes. The incident prompted police to receive an alarm at 2.51am on Thursday from a tenant at So Uk Estate in Cheung Sha Wan, who managed to escape unharmed.
Additional calls reported substantial smoke emanating from the area. The Fire Services Department arrived promptly, utilizing hoses and breathing apparatus to douse the flames and rescue occupants. They also utilized an aerial ladder for inspection. In total, 78 residents were evacuated, some bringing their pets with them. Two males and a female, aged between 62 and 64, experienced discomfort while descending the stairs due to smoke inhalation and required medical attention.
They were transported to Caritas Medical Centre for treatment of limb injuries. Firefighters extinguished the blaze at 3.29am and rescued four cats from the flat. They wrapped the animals in blankets and laid them on the ground, performing CPR and utilizing animal masks to aid their breathing. However, the cats succumbed to their injuries later at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Police believe the power bank overheated and ignited the fire. At present, there is no indication that criminal activity was involved in the incident.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.