An 80-year-old woman, who lived alone, died after a fire broke out at a public housing unit in Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, on Sunday morning.

The charred remains of the victim were found inside her flat at Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate’s Lung Kwong House. Firefighters said an initial investigation indicated that the blaze was not suspicious.

The fire started at 8:45 am inside the victim’s housing unit after an explosion was heard, with thick smoke seen coming out of the flat, local media reported.

About 300 residents were evacuated from the building before the blaze was extinguished at 9:16 am. A woman who felt unwell after inhaling smoke from the fire was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Firefighters are investigating whether the clutter inside the victim’s flat was set ablaze by a cigarette or by burning incense or joss paper.