Elderly man in Chai Wan sparks concern by repairing air conditioner outside high-rise window

An elderly man in Chai Wan drew widespread concern on Saturday after he was seen climbing out of his apartment window to repair a split-type air conditioner. The incident, which echoed a recent case during Typhoon Ragasa where an air conditioner technician worked in dangerous conditions, reignited public debate about safety. 

The man, dressed in a white vest, was photographed sitting on the air conditioner unit while balancing on a ledge below, without any safety equipment, creating a precarious scene that alarmed onlookers.

Social media posts captured the moment, with some residents noting that firefighters and police had earlier visited the man’s apartment at Tsui Fuk House to urge him to return indoors. 

Despite this, he ventured out again roughly an hour later to continue the repair, prompting frustration among neighbors who described the act as reckless. 

Many emphasized the need for proper safety measures during such repairs, expressing concern that the man’s actions could endanger himself and others. 

Some speculated that he may have been motivated to fix the air conditioner himself to avoid putting others at risk or due to the urgency of a malfunctioning unit.

Police received a report around 1.10pm regarding the incident and attended the scene. 

After confirming that the man had safely returned to his apartment, authorities classified the case as a misunderstanding and took no further action.