Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'Firebomb' attack on Hong Kong metro leaves 19 injured, three critically

One man has been charged with arson 

Will Worley
Sunday 12 February 2017 12:02 EST
Comments
Commuters receiving first aid treatment from firefighters in Tsim Sha Tsui metro station in Hong Kong
Commuters receiving first aid treatment from firefighters in Tsim Sha Tsui metro station in Hong Kong (EPA/APPLE DAILY / HANDOUT )

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Three people remain in critical condition after an alleged firebomb attack on the Hong Kong metro, which hurt at least 16 other commuters.

One man, Cheung Kam-fai, 60, was arrested following the incident at Tsim Sha Tsui station, on the Tsuen Wan Line, during the Friday evening rush hour.

He has now been charged with arson.

Police District Commander Kwok Pak-chung said as the suspect was being taken to a hospital, he told rescuers that he was the one who set the fire, and that he had done so for an unspecified personal reason.

"He was incoherent," Mr Kwok said, adding that police believe he used a flammable liquid.

Officials said there was no evidence to indicate the fire was a terror attack.

The youngest victim is Audrey Ko, a 15-year-old student who suffered burns to her legs, the South China Morning Post reported.

Footage posted to social media showed a chaotic and confused scene at the station.

Fires burned inside a train carriage and commuters used clothes to try and put out flames on a man’s legs.

The station was closed after the fire but reopened a day later.

In the aftermath of the incident, it emerged that only around 50 per cent of Hong Kong metro trains are fitted with CCTV.

The carriage the fire took place on was not fitted with a camera and it is feared this could hamper the investigation.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in