Water heater explosion in Tai Po injures 3, including grandmother and grandchildren

A water heater exploded in a flat in Tai Po on Monday afternoon, injuring a grandmother and her two young grandchildren who were visiting from the mainland, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 2pm at a unit on Fu Shin Street. The 74-year-old woman had turned on the water heater to prepare baths for her 7-year-old grandson and 6-year-old granddaughter when the explosion happened minutes later. The blast was powerful enough to blow out an aluminum window measuring 50cm by 30cm.

All three sustained minor abrasions and were taken to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for treatment. The children's father called for help after the trio managed to escape the scene.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) sent officers to investigate. Preliminary findings indicate the explosion involved a storage-type water heater with shower head that had a valid safety certificate. Investigators suspect the incident may have been caused by an improperly installed shower head with a water control valve.

The EMSD has seized the water heater and its components for further examination. The department urged the public to follow safety measures including hiring registered electrical contractors and licensed plumbers for installation or modification, and never installing shower heads with control valves on storage-type water heaters to prevent pressure buildup and explosions.