(Video) Hero or risk-taker? Driver’s Mong Kok traffic light fix sparks debate

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A minibus driver’s bold act of climbing a railing to fix a typhoon-damaged traffic light in Mong Kok has gone viral, earning praise for his quick thinking while sparking debate over the safety of his impromptu repair.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Ragasa’s destructive sweep through Hong Kong, leaving a trail of chaos across the city, a viral dashcam video captured a striking moment of civic initiative in Mong Kok. 

The footage, widely shared online today, showed a traffic light at the junction of Argyle Street, near a Shell petrol station, twisted out of alignment, likely by the storm’s fierce winds, causing it to point in the wrong direction and confuse drivers.

Around 9am, a green minibus driver, waiting at the malfunctioning traffic light, took matters into his own hands. 

Seizing a brief pause at the red light, he leapt out of his vehicle, climbed a railing, and manually adjusted the misaligned traffic light to its correct position. 

The entire act took just over 20 seconds, and he returned to his minibus just moments before the light changed, resuming his drive with remarkable timing.

The video of this swift, daring effort quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion.

Many online praised the driver’s quick thinking and public-spirited action, applauding his agility and dedication to restoring order on the road. 

Some described the act as a commendable example of community responsibility, with humorous nods to his nimble execution under pressure. 

However, others raised concerns about the safety and wisdom of his actions, pointing out the risks of handling potentially electrified equipment or leaving a vehicle unattended without properly securing it. 

Critics suggested that safer alternatives, such as reporting the issue to authorities, would have been more prudent.

Government guidelines advise that faulty or damaged traffic lights should be reported to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department’s 24-hour hotline at 2333 3762. 

For urgent situations posing immediate danger, the Fire Services Department’s 24-hour hotline at 2723 2233 or emergency services via 999 should be contacted. 

Drivers encountering malfunctioning traffic lights are urged to slow down, treat the junction as an uncontrolled intersection, and proceed with caution to ensure safety.