HONG KONG – An early morning fire swept through a corrugated iron structure in Sheung Shui today, injuring one resident and prompting the temporary evacuation of dozens of villagers. The Hong Kong Police Force confirmed that emergency services responded to reports of a blaze at a temporary dwelling in Ping Kong Village around 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday, August 16.
Firefighters arrived quickly at the scene, deploying a hose line and a breathing apparatus team to tackle the flames. The inferno, which engulfed the metal shed, was eventually brought under control and extinguished. During the operation, fire personnel rescued a 67-year-old male resident, identified by the surname Lu, from inside the burning structure.
Mr. Lu sustained burn injuries but was conscious when paramedics transported him via ambulance to Prince of Wales Hospital for immediate medical treatment. Simultaneously, the urgency of the situation led to a precautionary evacuation, with a total of 27 villagers from nearby homes moved to a secure location until the area was deemed safe.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the destructive fire. Fire Services Department officials are currently examining the scene to determine the origin and ignition source of the blaze.
A police spokesperson confirmed that an initial assessment suggests the incident appears to be accidental. “At this stage, there is no evidence to indicate that this case involves any criminal element,” the spokesperson stated, suggesting that the focus remains on accidental causes, such as electrical fault or unattended heat sources, rather than arson or intentional harm.
Addressing Village Safety Concerns
Fires in older village settlements, particularly those involving unregulated or temporary structures built with materials like corrugated iron, pose significant challenges to emergency responders. These dwellings can burn rapidly, offering little resistance to fire spread and frequently lacking modern safety features like smoke detectors.
This incident underscores the ongoing necessity for improved fire safety awareness, particularly in New Territories villages where housing structures can vary widely in construction quality and compliance with building codes.
The affected residents began returning to their homes later this morning after firefighters completed preliminary safety checks. The focus now shifts to supporting Mr. Lu’s recovery and the full investigation into how the pre-dawn fire began. Local government social services are expected to connect with affected families to assess damage and provide necessary assistance following the disruption.
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