Power Bank Fire at So Uk Estate Kills 4 Cats; 3 Residents Hospitalized
HK01 · 4 SOURCES1 day ago4 MIN
Summary
A fire broke out at a ninth-floor unit in Stone Bamboo House at So Uk Estate in Cheung Sha Wan during the early hours of January 27, when a portable charger caught fire. Firefighters rescued four family cats from the unit, but all four died despite emergency resuscitation efforts. Three residents were sent to hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties and physical distress during the evacuation. Approximately 150 residents were evacuated as消防 crews brought the blaze under control by 3:29 AM.
Key Points
- Fire originated from a portable charger at 2:51 AM on the ninth floor of Stone Bamboo House at So Uk Estate in Cheung Sha Wan
- A female resident escaped after reporting the fire, while two neighbours—a man and a woman—initially became trapped before being rescued
- Four cats rescued from the unit were found unconscious; firefighters administered CPR and oxygen masks but all four died
- Three residents were hospitalized: a 64-year-old man named Cheng, a 62-year-old woman named Cheng, and a 64-year-old woman named Chung who suffered a knee injury
- About 150 residents were evacuated; security roads in the area were temporarily closed, causing traffic congestion
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the fire hazards posed by portable chargers and electronic devices, which have become ubiquitous in Hong Kong households. The tragic loss of four family pets underscores the emotional toll these incidents take on residents, while the large-scale evacuation of 150 people demonstrates the potential for rapid spread of smoke and fire in densely populated public housing estates. The fire has renewed calls for proper storage and handling of electronic charging devices to prevent similar tragedies.
The incident highlights the fire hazards posed by portable chargers and electronic devices, which have become ubiquitous in Hong Kong households. The tragic loss of four family pets underscores the emotional toll these incidents take on residents, while the large-scale evacuation of 150 people demonstrates the potential for rapid spread of smoke and fire in densely populated public housing estates. The fire has renewed calls for proper storage and handling of electronic charging devices to prevent similar tragedies.