Retiree 'attempted' self-immolation in lift after blown commission deal

A retired 71-year-old man yesterday attempted to set himself on fire inside an elevator of Prince's Building, a commercial building in Central, after failing to recover HK$2 million in insurance commission from a former customer.

The man, surnamed Lee, had worked as an insurance broker from 2005 to 2009, and during that time, a customer had entered into a funds saving plan with him. However, the customer later refused to pay Lee the HK$2 million commission, citing dissatisfaction with his service attitude.

The distressing incident happened at around 1.45pm after Lee visited a lawyer's office located in Prince's Building in an effort to recover the commission owed to him.

However, as he was leaving the building, Lee became emotional inside the elevator.

Witnesses reported that he took out a can of naphtha and a can of thinner from his suitcase and poured them onto himself, creating a strong smell of petrol inside the elevator.

Frightened by the situation, other citizens in the elevator managed to open the doors on the 17th floor, while Lee returned to the lift lobby on the first floor.

Witnesses saw Lee lying on the floor inside the elevator, holding a lighter in his hand.

A witness took to mainland social media Xiaohongshu and said: "I saw the man lying on the floor inside the lift which was filled with the smell of petrol, and the man was holding up a lighter in his hand. Security guards and the man engaged in a standoff as a guard held the elevator door with his hands to prevent the lift door from closing [and moving to another floor]."

Police and firefighters were called to the scene, and negotiators attempted to calm the agitated man to prevent him from taking further action.

Unfortunately, during the negotiation, Lee spilled the can of thinner inside the lift and then attempted to ignite the lighter. In response, the police and firefighters had no choice but to swiftly subdue Lee to protect his safety and that of others present.

Lee was then arrested for attempted arson and taken to Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam for medical treatment.

A male police officer who sustained a knee injury during the scuffle was also taken to the hospital for treatment.

The elevator involved in the incident was cordoned off for investigation, while the strong smell of petrol remained at the scene. Police have classified the case as arson.