Hang Seng Bank files HK$17m suit against KMB after bridge damaged from burning bus

Hang Seng Bank has filed a suit against KMB Ltd seeking about HK$17.35 million of compensation after a route 961 bus caught fire in May 2019 and burned a hole in the overhead bridge that connected the bank’s head office in Central to the International Finance Centre. 

In the writ filed to the High Court last Thursday, Hang Seng Bank said the aluminum panels and the glass fencing of the bridge at the east wing of its head office were damaged due to negligence of the bus company. 

Therefore, the bank now seeks over HK$17.35 million of repair fees from KMB and asks the bus giant to cover the relevant interest and legal costs. 

The incident occurred on May 11, 2019, as the double-decker bus caught fire as it reached opposite Exchange Square in Central. The bus captain swiftly evacuated the seven passengers onboard and no injuries were reported. 

Firefighters later spent about 45 minutes putting out the fire, which had burned through the bottom of the bridge and leaving behind a 10-by-5-meter hole.