A water pipe in Tuen Mun was accidentally damaged by a contractor working for the MTR Corporation on Thursday afternoon, causing flooding and cutting off water supply to Siu Hei Court and its shopping centre, the Water Supplies Department said.
The incident occurred around 3pm on Wu King Road near Wu Tsui House. Water several inches deep flooded the road, forcing the closure of a footpath leading to Siu Hei Court and causing flooding at a nearby MTR construction site.
The WSD said the leak was severe, forcing crews to immediately shut off the water valve. After considering peak water demand, the department temporarily restored supply and scheduled a second shutdown for 11pm to carry out repairs.
The WSD deployed at least two water wagons and 16 water tanks, along with 10 staff members, to provide temporary water to affected residents. The department aims to complete repairs and restore normal supply by 7am on Friday.
Residents were seen collecting water from wagons on a hot evening. One resident, surnamed Chan, said water pressure remained weak even after temporary restoration, forcing her to collect water for bathing. Another resident, surnamed Wong, said he had no water when he returned home around 6pm and had to eat out with his family, adding that he could not shower properly.
In response, the MTR Corporation said the contractor discovered water seepage at the Wu King Road construction site while removing concrete. The contractor alerted the Water Supplies Department, and upon the department’s arrival, the contractor excavated the area as necessary to investigate the pipes. The leak was later confirmed at a pipe connection point.
The Water Supplies Department then managed the situation, with the contractor providing assistance throughout the process.
MTR added that it would continue to maintain close coordination with government departments and the community, emphasizing its commitment to rigorous planning and cautious response.
(Updated at 10.10pm)
