Two firefighters and a woman were killed in a Mong Kok fire yesterday morning, which sent another 55 people to hospital. A charred body was also found on the mezzanine floor of the building. The Fire Services Department has formed a group to investigate the cause of the blaze.

The fire broke out at Cornwall Court, 687-689 Nathan Road, at 9.20am. It was upgraded to a No. 3 alarm 23 minutes later. At 10.23 am, it was upgraded to a No. 4 alarm, and at 12.16pm, it was raised to a No. 5.

Firefighters put out the blaze at around 3.15pm, using five jets and 10 breathing apparatus teams. More than 90 people were rescued. 

Senior firefighter Siu Wing-fong, aged 46, 25-year-old firefighter Chan Siu-lung, and a 77-year-old woman were certified dead in hospital.

Of the people needing medical treatment, 19 were sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 16 to Kwong Wah Hospital, 12 to Princess Margaret Hospital and eight to Caritas Medical Centre.

As at 5pm today, 50 people had been treated and discharged. The remaining three men and two women are still hospitalised in stable or satisfactory condition.

Deaths grieved

Speaking at the scene yesterday, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee was saddened by the deaths of the two brave firefighters.

"I, together with the Chief Executive and the Chief Secretary for Administration, will send our deepest condolences to their families and we will do everything possible to help them get over this very difficult period."

After visiting the injured and family of the dead yesterday afternoon, Acting Chief Executive Henry Tang said the Fire Services Department has formed a group to investigate the cause of the blaze.

Noting the Government is highly concerned about the case, Mr Tang praised the deceased firefighters' bravery and professionalism. He said the Government will make every effort to help their families.

The Home Affairs Department has opened Mong Kok Community Hall on Level 2, Mong Kong Complex, 557 Shanghai Street to accommodate residents affected by the fire. For enquiries, call 2787 4086.

Help desks to answer public enquiries are also set up at Kwong Wah Hospital (2384 8151), Queen Elizabeth Hospital (2782 7907), Caritas Medical Centre (2307 1254) and Princess Margaret Hospital (2990 3133).

The Police urged those who may have any information about the incident to contact the investigating officers on 2761 2444.