The blaze broke out shortly after 3am at Kwong Ngar House of Kwong Tin Estate, resulting in about 300 residents fleeing the building before rescue services arrived.

Firefighters used three water jets on the flames and deployed three rescue teams equipped with breathing apparatus. It took about an hour to extinguish the blaze.

Affected residents were then allowed to return to their homes.

It is suspected that the fire may have been caused by a faulty air conditioner.

A 91-year-old man who lived in the flat and her 55-year-old daughter who came to visit, as well as a female neighbor, were sent to hospital after all three complained of smoke inhalation.