Two prisoners at Hong Kong's Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre seized the chaos of Typhoon Wipha to stage a bold escape attempt—only to be swiftly recaptured in a dramatic chase.
The incident occurred at 3.45pm on Sunday, July 20, as the storm raged and the T10 typhoon signal was hoisted.
The two male inmates, aged 43 and 56, made a sudden dash for freedom while correctional officers were opening the gate of their dayroom.
Staff immediately gave chase and called for backup, quickly subduing the fugitives.
Sources revealed that the pair were carrying buckets and sprinting toward the beach when alert officers intercepted them.
Notably, the 56-year-old inmate had previously attempted to escape.
Both men sustained minor injuries—one to his hands and legs, the other to his knees—but were treated at the facility’s infirmary without requiring hospitalization.
The Correctional Services Department has reported the incident to police.
The two inmates had been sentenced to the drug treatment centre—one in July for possessing dangerous drugs, the other in May for child neglect.
Their typhoon-fueled breakout bid, however, proved short-lived.
ANSON LUK
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