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A fire broke out on mezzanine floor of a 15-storey mixed residential and commercial building at 687-689 Nathan Road in Mong Kok at 9.20am today (August 10). It was upgraded to No.3 alarm at 9.43am, No.4 at 10.23am and No.5 at 12.16pm. The fire was extinguished at around 3.15pm.
During the operation, firemen mobilised five jets and 10 breathing apparatus teams to fight the blaze and rescued over 90 persons.
Four persons died. An unidentified charred body was found on the mezzanine floor while three persons, including a 46-year-old Senior Fireman, a 25-year-old fireman and a 77-year-old woman, were certified dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital respectively.
Fifty-five persons were sent to hospitals for treatment. 33 persons were treated and discharged. Among the 22 admitted into hospitals, 3 men and 1 woman are in serious condition while the remaining 18 persons are in stable or satisfactory condition.
Residents are not allowed to enter the building for the time being. The Home Affairs Department (HAD) has opened Mong Kok Community Hall, located on Level 2, Mong Kong Complex, 557 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, to accommodate affected residents. Police will announce the re-opening arrangements. For enquiries, please call HAD at 2787 4086.
Ends/Sunday, August 10, 2008
Issued at HKT 23:01
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