100 Hongkongers evacuated after fire breaks out during ceremony for good luck
Police believe blaze caused by 62-year-old female resident’s burning of joss papers for a ritual for peace and protection
About 100 residents of a public housing estate in Hong Kong were evacuated on Friday morning, after a traditional ceremony aimed at ensuring peace and protection sparked a fire.
Police said they suspected the fire at Heng On Estate in Ma On Shan was caused by a 62-year-old female flat owner’s burning of joss papers for the ritual. A preliminary investigation indicated no foul play was involved.
A force spokesman said the ceremony involved a ritual for “worshipping the four corners”, commonly performed when one moves into a new home to appease the spirits.
“The fire was caused when [the resident] left the flat before the joss papers were fully burned,” the spokesman said.
Photographs showed the flat was charred, and the owner was also seen sobbing after fleeing her home.
Nearly 100 residents had to be evacuated just after 9am on Friday after the force was alerted to the fire at 9.08am.
