TST Construction Site Fire 'largely Put Out'

Firemen say a fire that engulfed a Tsim Sha Tsui building that was under construction was largely put out at about 8.30 am on Friday.

More than 130 people were evacuated in Tsim Sha Tsui, and so far no casualties have been reported.

The blaze began shortly after 11 pm on Thursday night on the roof of the site in Middle Road.

Firemen deployed jets and breathing apparatus teams to tackle the blaze.

Fiery debris caused small fires at buildings close by but these were quickly extinguished.

The fire also sent debris flying to the roads below and resulted in parts of Middle Road being closed to traffic in the early hours.

Firemen say they surrounded the blaze just after 7.30 am on Friday morning and it was brought under control at just after 8 am.

Parts of Nathan Road were still closed to traffic during the morning peak-hour, and several bus routes diverted.

The 42-storey building was due to be completed this year, to house the new Mariner's Club and a hotel.