Hong Kong woman sets flat on fire with blowtorch, injuring 3 people and killing 4 cats
- Police say preliminary investigation finds blaze started at flat in Yu Tai Court on Lantau Island when woman attempted to cook with blowtorch
- Tenant rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital after suffering second-degree burns, while two other building residents are being treated for smoke inhalation
The blaze erupted at Tung Chung’s Yu Tai Court on Lantau Island at around 6.22am.
Police said they initially received a call from the flat’s tenant, a 58-year-old woman surnamed Suen, who said her kitchen hob had caught fire.
But a preliminary investigation found the woman had been cooking with a blowtorch and accidentally set fire to the place, the force said.
The Fire Services Department said she suffered second-degree burns across her body and was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital in Lai Chi Kok for treatment.
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Two other female residents, aged 65 and 80, were being treated at North Lantau Hospital for smoke inhalation, with all three conscious, the department added.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said its inspectors had responded to a call regarding the four long-haired cats found by emergency personnel during the operation.
“The cats were found unconscious and despite the immediate CPR performed by the firefighters, the cats sadly passed away,” the animal rights group said.
It added that the bodies of the cats were waiting for their owner to claim them and complete follow-up procedures at its centre on Tsing Yi Island.
About 150 people were evacuated from the building before the fire was extinguished shortly after 7am.
Police said that the case was still under investigation.
Additional reporting by Harvey Kong
