An On Kay Shopping Centre in Ngau Tau Kok was flooded on Sunday evening after a saltwater pipe burst in the false ceiling, with shopkeepers reporting heavy losses as goods were soaked.
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The incident happened around 7pm when the pipe ruptured, sending water cascading into the mall's atrium like a waterfall, with the depth at one point reaching ankle level. Shopkeepers scrambled to move stock and sweep water.
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A clothing vendor surnamed Cheung said the water poured for nearly two hours before the valve was shut off. She estimated nearly HK$100,000 worth of winter clothing was ruined by saltwater. She had rented the atrium space for a three-day pop-up sale.
A home goods store owner surnamed So said he heard a "bang" around 7.15pm before water gushed down for over an hour. He described the scene as夸张 and was concerned about electrical short circuits as water reached power sockets.
Shopkeepers said they had to manage the situation themselves initially, searching for tools to clear the water. Ceiling panels were also brought down by the force of the water.
