Fire Services busts illegal fuel station at Tsz Lok Estate
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Fire Services Department officers uncovered a suspected illegal fuel station at the Phase 2 car park of Tsz Lok Estate in Wong Tai Sin after receiving a public report on 14 September about a leaking vehicle and the smell of fuel. They found a leaking multi-purpose vehicle, seized 921 litres of petrol and refuelling tools, and arrested a 34-year-old man holding a two-way permit on suspicion of multiple offences.
Key Points
- The Fire Services Department said the operation took place at the Phase 2 car park of Tsz Lok Estate, a large public housing estate in Wong Tai Sin.
- After the public report on 14 September, firefighters found a leaking seven-seater vehicle and covered the spill with sawdust while keeping watch at the scene.
- Officers later found a fuel tank and refuelling tools inside the vehicle, and seized 921 litres of petrol, enough to fill about 20 private cars.
- A 34-year-old man holding a two-way permit was stopped at the scene and arrested on suspicion of excessive storage of dangerous goods and related offences.
- The suspected offences include breaching the Dangerous Goods Ordinance on storage limits and packaging labels, and illegal possession of controlled substances under the Fire Services Ordinance.
Why It Matters
The department warned that petrol is highly flammable and that its vapour can accumulate in busy estate car parks, creating a serious fire or explosion risk for residents and drivers. It said it held an emergency meeting on 15 September with the District Office, the Wong Tai Sin District Fire Safety Committee and the property management company to tighten vigilance and oversight, while urging the public to report suspected illegal refuelling through its online platform or 24-hour hotline.