A terrifying late-night catastrophe unfolded in the heart of Cheung Sha Wan early Thursday morning, when a faulty power bank burst into flames inside a high-rise public housing unit, leaving three residents injured and killing four pet cats. Emergency services were alerted shortly before 3:00 a.m. as thick, acrid smoke began billowing from the So Uk Estate, quickly overwhelming the building's hallways and forcing nearly 80 terrified tenants into the streets.
According to law enforcement officials, the frantic tenant of the affected unit placed a call to emergency dispatchers at precisely 2:51 a.m. after noticing intense sparks and flames erupting from a portable battery pack resting on her furniture. Although the woman managed to flee the apartment before the fire rapidly consumed her living space, her four domestic cats were trapped inside as toxic fumes filled the residence. Sirens echoed through the sleeping neighborhood within minutes as multiple rescue units scrambled to contain the raging inferno.
Firefighters equipped with heavy breathing apparatus navigated through blinding black smoke to reach the apartment, battling the flames while simultaneously executing an urgent floor-by-floor evacuation of the residential tower. Rescue teams successfully brought three individuals—including nearby neighbors suffering from severe smoke inhalation and minor burns—to safety. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
Tragically, despite the valiant efforts of first responders who attempted resuscitation on the animals pulled from the blackened flat, all four cats succumbed to severe smoke asphyxiation. Investigators from the Fire Services Department conducted an initial site inspection and confirmed that an overheated lithium-ion battery within the charging device was the primary cause of the blaze. Authorities have seized the charred remains of the power bank for technical analysis.
The harrowing incident has once again ignited intense public concern regarding the safety standards and proper usage of low-cost electronic accessories in high-density urban environments. Local safety officials have reiterated stern warnings against leaving lithium-ion devices charging unattended overnight, urging residents to purchase certified electronic products to prevent similar urban tragedies.