2LT International News

HONG KONG: A fire tore through a densely populated residential building in Hong Kong’s vibrant Kowloon district on April 10, claiming the lives of five individuals and leaving 35 others injured, as reported by the city’s hospital authority and fire services.

According to broadcaster RTHK, occupants trapped inside the 16-storey building resorted to waving towels from windows in a desperate plea for rescue. The fire, which originated in a gymnasium within the building, prompted the closure of several surrounding roads, disrupting morning rush hour traffic.

Some 150 individuals were evacuated to safety, while 40 others were rushed to public hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee issued directives for an “all-out” effort to provide medical care to the injured. Simultaneously, various government agencies launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire.

The blaze, classified as a level three incident on the city’s five-grade system, was brought under control by 8:54 a.m. (0054 GMT), one hour after authorities were alerted to the emergency in Jordan, a bustling area known for its residential complexes and commercial establishments across the harbor from the financial district.

Of the injured, at least six were reported to be in serious condition, with one individual listed in critical condition, according to the hospital authority.

Meanwhile, firefighters continued to battle another massive blaze that erupted at a building site in the northern New Territories on April 10. As of the latest update, the fire was still ongoing, although no casualties had been reported.