Dozens left trapped on roof of Hong Kong skyscraper as fire breaks out

World

Up to 350 people are trapped on the roof of Hong Kong’s World Trade Centre after a major fire broke out in the skyscraper, police have said.

The fire started to rip through the 38-story building, which houses both offices and a mall, in the bustling commercial and shopping district of Causeway Bay early on Wednesday afternoon.

A firefighter rescues people trapped in a fire that broke out at the World Trade Centre in Hong Kong, China, December 15, 2021. REUTERS/Lam Yik
Image:
A firefighter rescues people trapped in a fire that broke out at the World Trade Centre in Hong Kong

At least one person has been injured and taken to hospital.

Police also said 150 people are currently awaiting rescue.

Other people were said to be trapped in restaurants in the mall, according to the local South China Morning Post newspaper.

The blaze was upgraded to a level three incident on a scale of one to five.

Hong Kong’s government said firefighters were battling the fire with two water jets and had deployed breathing apparatus.

More on Hong Kong

Firefighters operate an extendable ladder to rescue people trapped in a fire that broke out at the World Trade Centre in Hong Kong, China, December 15, 2021. REUTERS/Lam Yik
Image:
Firefighters operate an extendable ladder to rescue people trapped in the fire
A firefighter rescues people trapped by a fire that broke out at the World Trade Centre in Hong Kong, China December 15, 2021. REUTERS/Lam Yik
Image:
A firefighter rescues people trapped by the fire

Firefighters also used an extendable ladder to rescue several people who were trapped on the lower floors of the building.

The emergency services cordoned off the area outside the building.

Articles You May Like

11-year-old boy speaks out after being shot by police officer
RAF: Applicants described as ‘useless white male pilots’
Ukraine War: ‘Worse than Chernobyl’: The nuclear power plant where workers fear disaster
Government could face criminal proceedings over Boris Johnson messages
Ukraine War: Why is Russia attacking Kyiv instead of military targets?