Firefighters were tackling a serious blaze in Central on Saturday that forced scores of people to flee to safety and led to the closure of roads in the area.

Scaffolding on Chinachem Tower on Connaught Road Central caught fire at around 4.30pm.

The incident was upgraded to a No 3 alarm a short time later.

Thick smoke billowed from the scene and some people reported hearing explosions.

Dozens of people evacuated the scene, officials said.

Two men and a woman were taken to hospital after feeling unwell.

The incident forced the closure of all Sheung Wan-bound lanes of Connaught Road Central near Pedder Street, along with all lanes of Des Voeux Road Central, in both directions, between Queen Victoria Street and Pottinger Street.

"Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and avoid heading to the vicinity of Central," transport officials said.

Some KMB services were affected by the road closures, with a number of routes diverted, while tram services were also hit.
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Last updated: 2025-10-18 HKT 19:03