A security guard’s report of a strong petrol smell led fire personnel to a light goods vehicle suspected of being converted into an illegal mobile fuel station in a shopping-centre loading area in Tseung Kwan O on 26 September.
The vehicle contained two large fuel-storage containers with a combined maximum capacity of about 2,000 litres, as well as an electric pump, electronic flow meter, hoses and fuel nozzles. The capacity was the containers’ maximum, rather than a measure of how much fuel was inside. Fire personnel removed the storage and dispensing equipment and intercepted one man suspected of offences under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and the Fire Services Ordinance.
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department said the shopping centre was heavily crowded that day and warned that a petrol leak or ignition could have serious consequences. It said illegal fuel-transfer activity appeared to be spreading to indoor urban car parks, where vehicles carrying large amounts of petrol could be made to resemble ordinary delivery vehicles.
The department met the Sai Kung District Office and District Fire Safety Committee (Sai Kung District) on the same day to discuss stronger car-park inspections and ways to identify suspicious vehicles. It also increased local education and publicity about the risks of illegal fuel-transfer activity.
The department urged the public to report strong petrol or diesel smells in car parks or loading areas, vehicles left for long periods, or repeated short stops. Reports can be made through its electronic fire-hazard complaints platform or the 24-hour hotline, 5577 9666.