Arson suspected in Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Fish Market blaze that injured two and destroyed seven vehicles

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A suspicious cargo truck fire at Cheung Sha Wan Fish Wholesale Market on Friday afternoon destroyed seven vehicles and left two men with second-degree burns. Arson is suspected after accelerant was detected at the scene.

The blaze broke out around 3.23pm today at the unloading area of the market on Yen Chow Street West, Sham Shui Po. Thick black smoke rose high, visible from a distance, with explosions reported as the fire spread rapidly.

Firefighters arrived quickly, deployed two hose lines and two breathing apparatus teams, and brought the fire under control by 3.44pm. Six cargo trucks and one private car were completely burnt out.

A 40-year-old man sustained 15 percent second-degree burns to his face, neck and both hands; he was conscious and taken to Princess Margaret Hospital. A 46-year-old non-Chinese man suffered 20 percent second-degree burns to his head, face, neck, hands and feet; he was conscious and sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

No natural ignition source was found. Fire spread abnormally fast, and gas detectors detected accelerant at the scene. 

Authorities now treat the cause as suspicious and have handed the case to police for investigation. 

Fire Services said there is no information yet linking it to illegal fuel, but relevant units are examining the site.

(Updated at 7.20pm)