Sha Tin plumbing mishap leaves four injured by corrosive liquid

Four individuals sustained injuries from a corrosive liquid spill when a plumber conducting drainage work in Sha Tin on Monday.

The police were alerted around 1.19 PM about the incident at a convenience store on On Ping Street. Paramedics arrived on the scene to find that seven people had been splashed with the corrosive substance.

Among the victims were a 27-year-old male plumber named Leung, a 38-year-old male convenience store employee surnamed Law, and a 41-year-old male customer named Yip. They suffered injuries to their face, eyes, and foot, respectively. 

Additionally, a 45-year-old female staff member surnamed Yeung reported experiencing discomfort. All four were sent to Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment.

It was learned that the plumber was carrying out drainage work with drain cleaner and hot water in the store's kitchen when a jet of water suddenly erupted, resulting in severe facial burns and skin loss.

Multiple sections of the convenience store were marked by splatters of the corrosive substance, resulting in some paint beginning to peel away.

The police have classified the case as an industrial accident and are actively looking into the matter.