Incident Overview

In a startling turn of events early Sunday morning, a taxi driver and his passenger narrowly escaped after their vehicle was swallowed by a massive sinkhole in Hong Kong. The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 AM local time on Lai Chi Kok Road, sending shockwaves throughout the community.

Details of the Incident

According to reports, the 59-year-old driver, identified as Mr. Siu, was en route to the Kwun Tong district when he noticed a sudden flooding on the road. As he attempted to maneuver from the slow lane to the fast lane, a bus obstructed his path, forcing him to stop. In a dramatic twist, the taxi suddenly tilted to the left with a loud bang, as the ground below them gave way.

Rescue and Aftermath

Footage captured from the scene displayed water gushing ferociously from the sinkhole as the red taxi was pulled into the abyss. Thankfully, both Mr. Siu and his 47-year-old passenger managed to escape just in time, although the driver later reported feeling dizzy and weak, prompting a hospital visit. Remarkably, the passenger suffered no injuries and took another taxi to continue his journey.

Impact on the Community

This shocking event left Mr. Siu shaken, as he recounted never experiencing such a perilous situation in his two decades as a taxi driver. The local authorities swiftly cordoned off the area, shutting down parts of the road, and redirecting buses and other vehicles. Officials reported that the sinkhole stretched five meters deep and had flooded three traffic lanes.

Cause of the Sinkhole

The cause of this dangerous sinkhole was traced back to a burst 75cm-wide water pipe, as confirmed by Hong Kong's water supplies department. In a statement posted on social media, they announced that their engineering team, in collaboration with the police, was already on-site conducting clean-up operations. Safety measures were also put in place, including radar detection to examine nearby pipelines.

Public Reassurance

Authorities reassured the public that there would be no significant impact on the city’s overall water supply, indicating that only a section of the pipe had been compromised. Investigations continue to determine the full extent of the incident and the necessary road repairs to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Conclusion

This alarming episode serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of urban infrastructure and the safety challenges that come with it. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds!