Hong Kong restaurant explosion leaves four injured, two severely

At least four people were injured – two severely – after a suspected gas explosion at a restaurant in To Kwa Wan early Wednesday morning.

Police and firefighters rushed to a cha chaan teng at 35 Cheung Ning Street after receiving a report at 6.36am of a loud explosion at the site.

It is believed that the explosion occurred inside the kitchen and involved a gas stove running on LPG.

The blast was so strong that the restaurant’s front door was destroyed, while four cars parked on the street and the shutters of a garage across the road from the eatery were also damaged.

Two of the victims, one of them a restaurant worker, suffered severe burns, while the other two had less serious injuries. All four were all sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.

Fire Services Department Kowloon West Assistant Divisional Officer Wong Ping-kuen said 13 fire engines and seven ambulances were deployed in the rescue operation. But there were no signs of fire when firefighters arrived at the scene, and no nearby residents had to be evacuated.

Wong said two LPG cylinders, each weighing 15kg, were found inside the restaurant, although both seemed to be intact.

The fire department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department are investigating the cause of the blast, while the Buildings Department has been notified to make sure the building structure remains safe.

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