Fire Erupts on Lee Theatre Plaza Wall in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay
An unexpected lunchtime drama unfolded in Hong Kong's bustling Causeway Bay on Tuesday as an exterior wall of the prominent Lee Theatre Plaza became engulfed in flames. The incident, which occurred during the busy lunch hour, drew immediate attention and a swift response from emergency services.
Dramatic Scenes and Emergency Response
Videos widely shared online captured the dramatic scene, showing artificial plants adorning the multi-storey wall – extending from the ground to the third floor, opposite Times Square – ablaze. Police confirmed receiving multiple reports around 12:53 PM concerning a billboard fire in the vibrant shopping district.
The Fire Services Department quickly mobilized, deploying a water jet team and a rescue unit equipped with breathing apparatus to Matheson Street. At least seven fire engines and a dozen firefighters tackled the inferno, directing powerful streams of water towards the upper left section of the Uniqlo billboard on the building's exterior.
Aftermath and Quick Containment
The intense smoke plumes not only halted lunchtime routines but also attracted a significant crowd of onlookers gathering across the road. A pungent smell of burning plastic permeated the air, noticeable both in the surrounding streets and inside Lee Theatre Plaza. Firefighters successfully brought the flames under control and extinguished them by approximately 1:20 PM.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident served as a stark reminder of urban safety challenges and the efficiency of Hong Kong's emergency services in containing potential hazards rapidly.