At approximately 11 p.m. on Oct. 30, a deadly fire erupted in a unit at Lotus Tower of Kwun Tong Garden Estate, Block 2, in Ngau Tau Kok. The fire spread rapidly, producing thick smoke that alarmed neighbors, prompting them to call emergency services and evacuate.
Firefighters arrived quickly, broke into the affected unit, and extinguished the flames within 30 minutes.
During the rescue operation, firefighters discovered the 52-year-old male tenant, surnamed Lau, unconscious in the kitchen. He was rushed to United Christian Hospital but succumbed to his injuries despite resuscitation efforts. The fire significantly damaged the unit, leaving it completely charred and blackened.
According to sources, the deceased had a smoking habit and usually lived in the unit alone. His wife and two children reportedly reside in Sha Tin for convenience, leaving Lau as the sole occupant at the time of the fire. Initial police investigations indicated no foul play, with a discarded cigarette butt suspected to have caused the blaze.
The reporter from DotDotNews revisited the scene on Oct. 31 and found the unit sealed off under police guard pending further investigation.
A neighbor, Ms. Lam, recounted the chaotic moments during the fire. She mentioned that her family of five was preparing for bed when her son noticed several fire trucks parked below their building. Curious, he insisted on going downstairs to watch. However, upon opening their door, they were met with dense smoke flooding the hallway.
"It was terrifying—the smoke was so thick we couldn't even see the way out!" Lam said. She immediately shut the door to stop the smoke from entering further, while her husband called emergency services. The family was eventually evacuated with the help of firefighters.
(Journalist: Xiao Jingyuan, Liu Youguang; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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