 "Firefighters attend to a building called New Lucky House where a fire started in Hong Kong, April 10, 2024 | Source: AP")
A fire engulfed a Hong Kong building - the New Lucky House, a residential complex nestled in the Jordan neighborhood, on Wednesday morning. The incident claimed the lives of at least five individuals while leaving over 30 others injured.
The disaster unfolded in the early hours of the morning. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene following distress calls at 7:53 am, deploying firefighters to contain the fire, reported AP.
Thick smoke engulfed the building, with occupants seen signaling for help from upper floors while firefighters utilised elevated platforms for rescues.
According to police reports, three males and two females lost their lives in the incident. Initial investigations indicate that the fire may have originated in a gymnasium situated on the first floor of the building, though the exact cause is yet to be determined.
According to AP, authorities, including Eric Chan, the Chief Secretary for Administration, have expressed shock and have pledged a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Injuries sustained by occupants were attended to at various hospitals, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Kwong Wah Hospital, reported Hong Kong Free Press.
The government has established a temporary shelter at the Henry G. Leong Yau Ma Tei Community Centre to assist those affected by the tragedy.