Update | 'It was like thunder': residents describe gas blast that killed one and left firemen fighting for their lives
One man dead, suicide suspected as explosion 'like thunder' smashes windows and sends lift plunging at Kowloon estate; six rescuers are in critical condition
Neighbours spoke of the ground shaking and a bang as loud as thunder as they fled their homes in a gas incident that left one person dead and several firefighters fighting for their lives yesterday.
The drama unfolded on the 11th floor of Mei Ying House on Shek Kip Mei Estate, where firefighters broke into a flat after neighbours reported the smell of gas shortly before noon. They were caught in a blast so severe it sent a lift plunging down a shaft.
Nine firefighters and three members of the public were injured. The body of a 56-year-old man was found inside; it was unclear if he had been killed by the blast or before. Investigators said he may have committed suicide.
One principal fireman underwent emergency brain surgery at Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung. He and five colleagues remained in a critical condition. Another fireman was in a serious condition, while two other firefighters and two members of the public were stable. Another person was discharged from hospital last night.
The Fire Services Department and police are investigating. Kong Ping-lam, deputy chief fire officer, said the gas supply tube in the flat's kitchen was loose and a spanner was found nearby, while police Chief Inspector Jasper Choi Chun-hoo said they had "not ruled out" the possibility of suicide or that the man had mental health problems.
Ng Wai-keung, assistant director of fire services, said: "Our colleagues knocked at the door and no one answered, so they broke in … Then an explosion occurred."
Firefighters found a body behind the kitchen door, Ng said. The deceased had lived alone in the flat for six years.
The explosion smashed the windows of the adjacent flat, leaving glass and frames scattered across Tai Hang Sai Street.
Tam Siu-yin, a housewife on the fourth floor, said she heard a "bang" as loud as thunder. "The ground was shaking and my legs were shaking. I ran out and there was a strong smell of gas."
The 12 victims were sent to five hospitals. Others received first aid on the estate.
"I heard a loud bang and realised it was an explosion. Then pieces of glass dropped like rain," one man, who had been bleeding from his forehead, told Cable TV.
Most residents were allowed home at about 8pm, except those living on the 11th floor. The Social Welfare Department said it had arranged temporary accommodation for some single elders.
After visiting the firefighters, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said: "The government is deeply concerned … and will investigate with all efforts."
Jerry Nip Yuen-fung, chairman of the Fire Services Department Staffs General Association, said: "We are all saddened to see so many colleagues injured. We will provide whatever assistance they might need."
Vice-chairman Au Wah-kin said the blast was probably due to sparks from electrical appliances.
