Family of 4 in hospital after fire at Sha Tin public housing estate

A family of four was sent to hospital on Wednesday morning after a fire broke out at a public housing estate in Sha Tin, prompting the evacuation of around 140 residents.

Police received a report at 6.48am as thick smoke poured from a mid-rise flat in Yan Chuen House at Shui Chuen O Estate.

The family tried to put out the fire, which started at their TV stand, but failed to do so, and subsequently escaped, police said.

Firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire at around 7.10am.

All four members of the household were sent to Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin to be treated for smoke inhalation, while around 140 residents were safely evacuated.