Submerged car in Kowloon Reservoir linked to 2023 body discovery

A mysterious abandoned car was found sunken at the bottom of the Kowloon Reservoir on Saturday, with its wheels facing upwards and oil leakage visible on the water's surface.

Around 5 pm yesterday (Feb 1), police received a report about the submerged vehicle in the Kowloon Reservoir located in the Kam Shan Country Park. 

Rescue workers were sent to search the area, but no further findings were reported. According to sources, the vehicle had been underwater for quite some time and was covered in silt and rust.

Upon investigating the vehicle's license plate, police connected it to a case involving a body found floating in the same reservoir in 2023.

Following the incident, the Water Supplies Department declared that the use of stored water in Kowloon Reservoir had been suspended and would be resumed only once comprehensive and rigorous water quality examinations were completed.

The department also stressed that the city's water supply is subjected to rigorous testing at various stages, including at reservoirs, water treatment facilities, and distribution networks, to ensure its safety and cleanliness.

According to previous reports, a 30-year-old man surnamed Chow was found floating in, and later pronounced dead at the Kowloon Reservoir on July 17, 2023, during a No. 8 storm signal.

It was reported that Chow had a history of mental illness and had drunk heavily the night before.

Chow’s friends and family decided to report to the police after receiving his messages indicating suicidal thoughts, but he was sadly already found dead.

Read more: Body discovered in Kowloon Reservoir