The cause of the fire in a 42-story Hong Kong skyscraper is under investigation, Reuters reported. Firefighters fought the element for many hours, about 170 people were evacuated from the building.
A skyscraper in Hong Kong’s shopping district was under reconstruction. The fire broke out in the upper floors on Thursday evening. It was visible – as reported by the Reuters agency – on the other side of Victoria Bay.
Witnesses said that falling and burning parts of the structure, including bamboo scaffolding, started several new, smaller fires around the skyscraper.
Hong Kong fire site Reuters
Skyscraper after the fire JEROME FAVRE/PAP/EPA
A quarter of a thousand firefighters fighting the fire
A local fire department official told reporters that 250 firefighters and rescuers had been battling the blaze throughout the night. The fire was put out on Friday after noon. 8 a.m. local time (1 a.m. Thursday-Friday in Poland).
The Reuters agency reported that the 42-story skyscraper was to be converted into a hotel and the seat of the local Seamen’s Club.
Main photo source: JEROME FAVRE/PAP/EPA