Major Fire Erupts at Tai Po Recycling Yard, Injuring Seven
A significant blaze, accompanied by explosions, tore through a recycling yard in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Thursday morning, resulting in seven injuries, including four individuals in critical condition. The incident forced the evacuation of approximately 300 people, a group that included students and teachers participating in a nearby school excursion.
The fire reportedly began at 11:01 AM local time, originating within a scrap metal compactor housed in a two-story iron-sheet structure. The recycling yard is situated at the intersection of Ting Kok Road and Fung Yuen Road.
The Fire Services Department responded swiftly, deploying two water jets and two teams of firefighters to combat the flames. The blaze was successfully extinguished by 12:37 PM.
Casualties and Injuries
Of the seven individuals injured, one was a firefighter. The remaining six were civilians. The injured comprised four men and two women.
- Critical Condition: Three men sustained serious burns and were transported to Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin, where they were reported to be in critical condition as of Thursday evening.
- Critical Condition: One woman was also admitted to Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam and was listed in critical condition.
- Minor Injuries: The firefighter involved was taken to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po. Fortunately, they were discharged later the same day.
- On-Site Treatment: Another woman received treatment at the scene for a panic attack.
Evacuation and Disruption
The escalating smoke from the fire prompted the evacuation of over 300 people from the vicinity. This included approximately 100 students and teachers who were on a school trip in the area at the time. The thick black smoke spread rapidly, forcing residents and visitors to seek safety.
Cause of the Fire
Preliminary investigations by the Fire Services Department suggest that the fire’s origin may be linked to the improper handling of small aerosol cans. Additionally, the excessive storage of oxy-acetylene cylinders at the site is believed to have contributed to the severity of the incident.
Visual Impact and Public Advisory
Eyewitness accounts and online footage captured the dramatic scene. Images showed bright orange flames erupting above the surrounding trees near village houses, with plumes of thick black smoke billowing high into the sky. Other videos depicted the smoke completely engulfing the recycling yard and ascending rapidly.
In response to the hazardous conditions, the police deployed 60 officers to manage the situation and implement traffic control measures. Road closures and diversions were put in place along Ting Kok Road, near Dai Fat Street, and on Fung Yuen Road to facilitate emergency operations and prevent public access to the affected area.
Authorities issued an advisory urging members of the public who were affected by the smoke and its associated odour to remain indoors and ensure their doors and windows were securely closed to minimize exposure.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety regulations and practices within the recycling industry, particularly concerning the storage and handling of potentially volatile materials. Investigations into the precise sequence of events leading to the fire and explosions are expected to continue.
