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Danny Mok

Clifford Lo

A fire that killed an elderly woman and injured three others broke out in a Hong Kong flat after a television provided by a welfare organisation burst into flames, the Post has learned.
A source said on Tuesday that the woman, 86, who lived alone and had difficulty walking, was last seen resting in her bedroom by her grandson at around 9.45pm the previous day. The first-floor flat is located in Shun King Building on Gough Street near the SoHo area of Sheung Wan.
“When the grandson brought her dinner, she mentioned wanting to rest a bit longer and eat later,” the insider said.
The family of her 62-year-old son, who is a part-time university lecturer, live in a fifth-floor flat in the same building.
When the woman’s other grandson returned at around 10.20pm on Monday, he noticed a burning smell coming from her flat. He rushed back home and alerted his mother, 66, who immediately ran downstairs.
“When his mother unlocked the door, dense smoke poured out from the flat and she also saw flames inside the premises,” he said.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene after the woman called police at around 10.21pm.
According to the force, 16 residents fled the six-storey block before police and firefighters arrived. The blaze was extinguished at around 10.35pm.

“Firefighters found the [86-year-old] tenant lying unconscious on the floor near the door in the living room,” the source said. “It is possible she was unable to escape the flat due to her walking difficulties.”
He said the woman’s left arm was badly burned and she also suffered burns elsewhere to her body.
According to police, the victim was pronounced dead by paramedics on the spot.
The force said an autopsy would be carried out to ascertain the cause of death.
Her daughter-in-law and two neighbours – a 29-year-old man and his girlfriend – complained of feeling unwell after they inhaled smoke. They were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Pok Fu Lam.
“A preliminary investigation indicated that a short circuit in the television was the suspected cause of the fire,” the force said. “At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that the case involves any criminal elements.”
The Post learned that the welfare NGO gave the television to the victim several years ago.
Detectives from the Central criminal investigation unit are following up on the case.
The scene of the fire, SoHo, is known for its bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.


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Deadly Hong Kong flat fire possibly broke out after television burst into flames

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by firefighters. Photo: Handout

The fire left a woman dead and three others injured. Photo: Handout

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Firefighters battled the blaze with a water jet hose and were equipped with a breathing apparatus. Photo: SCMP

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Detectives from the Lantau district crime squad are following up on the case. Photo: Warton Li

News

Hong Kong

Law and Crime

Society

Television was provided to the 86-year-old woman who died in the fire by a welfare organisation years ago, Post learns


Television was provided to the 86-year-old woman who died in the fire by a welfare organisation years ago, Post learns.


Hong Kong fires and safety

Hong Kong society