Tseung Kwan O Mall Loading Bay Uncovers Mobile Illegal Fuel Station
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A security guard's report of a strong petrol smell in a mall loading bay in Tseung Kwan O on 26 September led firefighters to a light goods vehicle suspected of being used as a mobile illegal filling station. Firefighters removed two large fuel storage containers and refuelling equipment from the vehicle, and stopped one man on suspicion of breaching the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and the Fire Services Ordinance.
Key Points
- The Fire Services Department said it received the report on the afternoon of 26 September from a security guard at a mall car park loading area in Tseung Kwan O.
- Firefighters found a light goods vehicle suspected of being modified into a mobile illegal fuel station, disguised as an ordinary delivery vehicle to avoid attention.
- The vehicle carried two large storage containers with a combined maximum capacity of about 2,000 litres of fuel, plus an electric pump, electronic flow meter, hoses and a fuel nozzle.
- Firefighters removed all the equipment and stopped one man, who is suspected of offences under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and the Fire Services Ordinance.
- The department said the mall was very crowded that day, and warned that any fuel leak or ignition source could have caused extremely serious consequences.
Why It Matters
The Fire Services Department said illegal refuelling activity has recently shown signs of spreading into indoor urban car parks, suggesting operators are moving into new locations. On 28 September, the department held an emergency meeting with the Sai Kung District Office and the Sai Kung District Fire Safety Committee to discuss stronger inspections, suspicious-vehicle identification and public education in the district.