Lithium battery fire on MTR South Island Line injures 2 passengers

A lithium battery fire broke out on an MTR South Island Line train Monday evening, injuring two passengers and prompting evacuation.

The incident occurred at 6:53 pm between Admiralty and Ocean Park stations on a train heading to South Horizons. A backup battery for a handheld fan in a 36-year-old male passenger's backpack suddenly emitted smoke and ignited during the journey.

The bag's owner and a 40-year-old female passenger sustained injuries from battery sparks. Both received on-site treatment from paramedics but declined hospital transportation.

Witnesses reported seeing people scattering after hearing a "boom" sound, followed by flames and burning odor. Photos showed firefighters at the scene with the burned 21700 cylindrical lithium battery placed on the carriage floor alongside water and paper towels used for extinguishing.