By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-11-27 11:06:45 | Updated at 2024-11-27 13:48:09
2 hours ago
A fire engulfed and destroyed part of a 150-metre-long (492 feet) noise barrier on a busy Hong Kong road on Wednesday.
The blaze began at around 11am in bushes next to the six-metre-tall structure that covers the westbound lanes of Cheung Pei Shan Road near Shek Kuk House of Shek Wai Kok Estate, before spreading to the barrier.
Fierce flames rapidly engulfed a stretch of the structure measuring about 20 metres long, sending thick black smoke into the sky.
Burning debris fell onto the road, which connects with the Shing Mun Tunnel, forcing approaching vehicles to stop. But videos shared online showed some drivers on the opposite side of the road took the risk to get past before the lanes were blocked off.
The Fire Services Department deployed two water jets and two teams equipped with breathing equipment to tackle the blaze.
They extinguished the flames in about 30 minutes.
The Tsuen Kam Interchange bound lanes remained closed as of 6.23pm for emergency repair works.
