Blaze in Hong Kong flat traced to power bank; three injured, four cats perish
A power bank caught fire in a public housing flat in Hong Kong's Cheung Sha Wan area, prompting the evacuation of 78 residents. Three people aged 62 to 64 suffered smoke inhalation and limb injuries and were taken to hospital. Four cats were rescued from the flat but later died.
The incident unfolded in the early hours at So Uk Estate, a public housing complex in Cheung Sha Wan. A resident reported that her power bank had ignited inside her flat, and she escaped before thick smoke spread through the building. Fire crews arrived quickly, using a hose line, breathing apparatus, and an aerial ladder to combat the blaze and check upper floors.
Evacuation efforts moved 78 residents to street level, some carrying pets. Three individuals, aged 62 to 64, became unwell on stairwells while fleeing, inhaling smoke and sustaining limb injuries; they were taken to Caritas Medical Centre. Firefighters extinguished the fire by 3.29am and recovered four cats from the affected flat, covering them with blankets, though the animals later died.
This incident could highlight fire risks associated with everyday consumer electronics, particularly in densely populated public housing where evacuation is more complex. Older residents, who may have limited mobility, could face heightened danger during nighttime emergencies. The loss of pets may also underscore emotional impacts on households. Such events may prompt residents to review device safety practices and could influence discussions on housing fire preparedness, though broader policy implications remain uncertain.