Hong Kong man, 51, badly burnt after allegedly setting his own flat on fire
Authorities receive multiple calls at 3.43am as residents report blaze at estate, with occasional sounds of explosions
A 51-year-old man is suspected of setting his flat on fire in northern Hong Kong, leaving him in a critical condition in hospital with severe burns and forcing 400 residents to flee the building.
Authorities received multiple calls at 3.43am on Saturday from residents reporting the blaze at Tin Chak Estate in Tin Shui Wai, with occasional sounds of explosions.
Firefighters rushed to the scene and rescued a man living in the flat. He was found conscious but later fell into a coma after being rushed to Tuen Mun Hospital. He sustained burns to 20 per cent of his body.
The man was transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin for treatment and remains in a critical condition.
Firefighters evacuated 11 men and 12 women in the public housing block, while more than 400 others left their flats on their own.
The fire was subsequently put out and residents later returned to their flats.