A Hong Kong man has died after a fire broke out in his public housing flat, in what is suspected to be a suicide.
Twenty-four residents of the Ying Lai House in Yau Lai Estate self-evacuated after the fire on Tuesday.
Police said they received a report of the fire at 8.18am.
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The man in his “40s to 50s” was transported to United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong after he was found unconscious in his flat, according to a force spokesman. He was declared dead in hospital.
Based on its initial investigations, the force said it believed the man burned charcoal inside the flat.
Earlier this month, a 62-year-old man died after smoke filled his flat in Kowloon Bay. Food was being cooked in his kitchen when the smoke was spotted.
Last week, around 100 residents of a public housing estate in Ma On Shan had to be evacuated after a 62-year-old woman burned joss papers for a traditional ceremony to ask for peace and protection in her flat.
If you have suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 18111 for the government-run “Mental Health Support Hotline” or +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans and +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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