Two people were injured when a fierce blaze erupted at a skyscraper under construction in Kowloon, one of Hong Kong’s busiest business districts. The incident unfolded as dawn broke and the flames surged from a pier-like structure perched above the building. The pier once served as a docking area connected to the Mariner Club, a historic sailors’ club that was demolished in 2018. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the Empire Group company has been involved in the area’s ongoing construction work.
By the evening of March 2, a fire was blazing at the site of the former Mariner Club in Tsim Sha Tsui, a major shopping hub within Kowloon. Early reports confirmed two injuries, with witnesses sharing images of the smoke-filled scene on social media. The flames drew concern as adjacent structures nearby, including a five star hotel and office blocks, faced potential risk from the spreading fire.
As the fire intensified, nearby buildings along the street were threatened by the heat and smoke. Firefighters acted quickly to contain the blaze and prevent further spread to surrounding properties. The emergency response teams focused on protecting the nearby hotel and nearby commercial offices, successfully limiting the damage and preventing a larger crisis in a highly congested urban area.
Local authorities coordinated the firefighting effort across multiple squads, prioritizing life safety, property protection, and rapid extinguishment. Investigations were initiated to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the structural integrity of the affected site. Eyewitness accounts described a scene filled with thick smoke, glowing embers, and the relentless roar of water cannons as crews worked to create a safe perimeter around the burning volume.
Residents and visitors in the vicinity were advised to avoid the area while the incident was in progress. The firefighting operation continued through the night as crews worked to fully extinguish remaining hotspots and ensure that no rekindling occurred near the surrounding buildings. Authorities stated that the response was focused on minimizing disruption to traffic and commerce in one of the city’s most dynamic districts, where a dense mix of retail, hospitality, and office spaces characterizes the landscape.
Injuries were reported as smoke inhalation and minor physical harm sustained during the evacuation and sheltering process. Medical teams provided immediate care, and affected individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. While the severity of the injuries was not initially disclosed, local health services indicated that the casualties remained stable as the scene was brought under control and after the immediate danger had subsided.
As efforts continued to cool and secure the site, observers noted the resilience of Kowloon’s urban fabric. The incident underscored the importance of robust fire safety planning at construction sites, particularly in dense urban cores where every minute can dramatically affect outcomes for workers and nearby residents. Fire department officials emphasized ongoing monitoring and a thorough postincident review to identify lessons learned and to bolster preventative measures for future projects in the district of Tsim Sha Tsui and beyond.