A leak from a water heater in a Hong Kong apartment caused an explosion and fire, leaving a woman hospitalized with an injury to her forehead.
Here's what to know
The fire at May Bon Building in Prince Edward was preceded by a blast that residents heard, according to The Standard.
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department attributed the event to a gas leak. Its initial examination located the leak at a connection in the water heater's internal piping.
The Standard reported that the woman was conscious when taken to the hospital and suffered the injury as she scrambled to escape the apartment.
Emergency crews secured the site and checked the building.
More background
The department verified the heater's government approval and GU certification mark, The Standard reported.
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A July 2025 safety check had produced a clean result, with the department's maintenance records showing no problems.
What's being done?
The department told The Standard's sister publication, Sing Tao Headline, that it sent inspectors to the scene.
Safety officers took the water heater into custody for testing.
The department's follow-up work will look to determine why the joint failed and includes laboratory tests and a metallurgical review of the heater, according to The Standard.
Where can I learn more?
Gas water heater problems have put homeowners and renters on alert.
• A homeowner returned to a house reeking of gas two hours after a water heater installation.
• A homeowner smelled gas from a tankless exhaust, then learned a test-port cap was missing.
• A renter noticed unusual water heater exhaust before a carbon monoxide alarm sounded.
• A renter smelled gas whenever hot water ran, prompting warnings for them to stop testing it.
• A homeowner investigating gas odors learned water heater fumes were filling the house.
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