A welfare recipient tried to kill himself by burning charcoal in his home in Tsing Yi yesterday because his toothache was unbearable and he could not afford to see a dentist.
The 50-year-old man was in serious condition last night in Princess Margaret Hospital after being rescued by firemen. He has been unemployed since 1997.
Fire and police officers were called to his unit in Yee Yat House, Tsing Yi Estate, at about 2pm after his neighbour noticed smoke pouring out of his flat.
Firefighters broke through the front door and found the man unconscious in the gas-filled apartment. He was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital.
'A suicide note was found inside the unit saying he wanted to kill himself because he was suffering a toothache and he had no money to pay dental costs,' a police spokesman said.
The man, who lives alone, is understood to be receiving more than $2,000 per month in state benefits.