Kowloon Bay manhole explodes and temporarily affects nearby power supply

Firefighters were called to Kowloon Bay on Monday night after explosions were heard within a manhole. No injuries have been reported.

At about 7 pm yesterday (Apr 29), the police received a report from a citizen that there was an explosion under a drain cover opposite Exchange Tower on Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay.

Soon after, it suddenly popped up with bursts of white smoke and sparks. Nearby traffic lights also malfunctioned and went out.

Firefighters responded to the call, dousing the drain cover, and tested for gas within.

The police also cordoned off nearby roads and pedestrian paths.

About half an hour later, when the nearby traffic lights came back on, the pipes started smoking again, and firefighters had to spray water to cool them down again.

It is understood that there are many electric wires, telephone lines and broadband lines laid within the manhole.

It is unknown whether the accumulation of methane gas caused the explosion. No one was injured in the incident.

A spokesman for CLP stated that they had received a notice from the Fire Services Department at 7.42 pm requesting to send personnel to the junction of Wang Chiu Road and Sheung Yuet Road in Kowloon Bay to assist in the investigation of an incident involving a telecommunications manhole.

After CLP engineering personnel arrived at the scene, they found that the power supply to two nearby traffic lights, a bus stop and a park was affected.

After repairs, the power supply was restored at 11.25 pm.

The spokesman pointed out that the cause of the incident is still unknown and that they will continue to assist in the police investigation.

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