Fire Erupts Under Tseung Kwan O Footbridge, Destroying Express Packages
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 6 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A fire broke out under a footbridge on Environmental Protection Avenue in Tseung Kwan O on Tuesday morning, November 10, destroying numerous express delivery packages. Firefighters extinguished the blaze within approximately 30 minutes, with no injuries reported. The incident has renewed concerns among local residents about the longstanding practice of using the underpass as an informal distribution hub for online shopping companies.
Key Points
- The fire erupted at 7:20 AM at the footbridge near Environmental Protection Avenue and Stonecutters Island Road No. 1
- Firefighters discovered the blaze involved a batch of express delivery packages and miscellaneous items stored under the footbridge, extinguishing the fire after about 30 minutes
- The affected area measures approximately 3 metres by 5 metres, with burned items including daily necessities, food ingredients, electrical appliances, onions, cabbage, potatoes, radishes, peppers, bleach, tissues, cup noodles, and dishwashing liquid
- Residents reported that online shopping staff have been using the footbridge underpass daily for years, particularly since the pandemic, to sort and deliver packages to buyers in Lohas Park and nearby estates
- An electrical box near the footbridge was scorched but not destroyed, raising concerns about potential consequences had the fire spread further
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the growing problem of e-commerce companies using public spaces for commercial distribution activities, creating fire hazards in residential areas. With online shopping demand surging, regulators face increasing pressure to address the gap in last-mile delivery infrastructure and prevent similar incidents that endanger public safety.
The incident highlights the growing problem of e-commerce companies using public spaces for commercial distribution activities, creating fire hazards in residential areas. With online shopping demand surging, regulators face increasing pressure to address the gap in last-mile delivery infrastructure and prevent similar incidents that endanger public safety.