Air Conditioner fire in Sai Ying Pun traps elderly man, disrupts traffic

An air conditioner caught fire in Sai Ying Pun on Wednesday afternoon, trapping an elderly man and causing traffic disruptions that forced several bus routes to be diverted.

The blaze broke out at around 3pm in a unit at Mai Hing House on Hing Hon Road. Some residents evacuated to the rooftop, while others reported that an elderly person was trapped inside the affected unit.

An elderly man was rescued at the scene and taken to the hospital by ambulance. He was conscious at the time of transfer.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and deployed one water jet and a breathing apparatus team to battle the blaze

Thick black smoke billowed from the flat, leaving the exterior walls blackened. Firefighters continued spraying water into the unit to fully put out the flames.

Citybus said the section of Bonham Road between Pok Fu Lam Road and Western Street was closed due to the fire. Temporary traffic arrangements were implemented for several routes.

Routes 23, 40, 40M and 103 bound for Wan Chai were diverted after Chiu Sheung School Hong Kong, while Routes 23, 40 and 103 heading toward Pokfield Road were diverted after Eastern Street.