Man, 57, found with knives and arrested after fire at Hong Kong housing estate leaves 2 in critical condition
- Police found the suspect hiding in a stairwell at the scene of the blaze in Sha Tin
- Some 400 residents were evacuated from the block
A 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson on Sunday morning after a fire broke out at a public housing estate in Hong Kong’s Sha Tin, leaving two residents in critical condition.
The blaze occurred on the 19th floor of Fung Wai House at Sun Tin Wai Estate at about 2.30am on Sunday.
After putting out the fire, authorities at the scene suspected it was a case of arson. Police also found a 57-year-old man carrying two knives and hiding in a stairwell.
He was arrested over possession of weapons and arson.
A source told the Post that investigators believed the 57-year-old had used an accelerant to start the fire in his home.
A total of six residents, including the suspect, were injured in the fire. A 76-year-old woman and her grandson, 28, were among the victims and were both found unconscious from smoke inhalation.
A 74-year-old man who was suffering from shortness of breath, as well as a seven-year-old girl and a six-month-old baby girl were also sent to Prince of Wales Hospital.