Hong Kong man arrested for arson after setting flat ablaze over marital dispute
About 250 neighbours of Tin Shui Wai estate forced to evacuate
PUBLISHED : Friday, 27 November, 2015, 1:05pm
UPDATED : Friday, 27 November, 2015, 1:05pm
Lai Ying Kit
[email protected]
The man surnamed Lam, arrested for arson, was taken away from the scene by ambulance. Photo: Cable TV
A 58-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly set alight his flat at a Tin Shui Wai public estate following an argument with his wife in the small hours today.
Firemen were called in after the 32nd-floor flat at Heng Kin House in Tin Heng Estate caught fire around 2.30am. The blaze prompted about 250 neighbours to be evacuated.
Police said the man, surnamed Lam, allegedly set alight objects in his flat with thinner after he argued with his 49-year-old wife over marital issues.
The man suffered slight burns to his limbs and was then sent to Tuen Mun Hospital on a stretcher. He was reportedly in a conscious state.
His wife, and their 22-year-old daughter, also suffered slight burns to their limbs and were sent to hospital for treatment.
Firemen took about 20 minutes to put out the blaze. After an inspection they suspected arson was involved and passed the case on to the police.
A lighter was also seized. The man was subsequently arrested for arson, a police spokesman said.
Exterior walls of the flat were seen blackened following the fire.
