300 trapped after HK building catches fire

More than 300 people are trapped on the rooftop of a Hong Kong skyscraper after a fire broke out in an electrical switch room and ripped through scaffolding, engulfing the area in heavy smoke.

At least seven people have suffered the effects of smoke inhalation from the blaze at the 38-storey World Trade Centre on Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, which took hold during Wednesday’s lunchtime rush.

Among the injured was a woman in her 60s, who was lying semi-conscious in hospital with breathing difficulties.

The Fire Services Department’s mobile casualty treatment centre arrived at the scene shortly after 2pm.

A spokesman for the department said seven people complained of feeling unwell after inhaling smoke.

According to police, four of those were sent to hospital for treatment.

As of about 2pm, police said more than 300 people were trapped on the rooftop of the building and another 160 had been evacuated from the building.

Firefighters were seen using an extendable ladder at 1.45pm to rescue those who were trapped in an open-air area section of the building on the fifth floor.

Office workers and restaurant-goers are said to be among those still in the building, which operates as a mall and office tower complex.

Source: South China Morning Post