The Fire Services Department (FSD) has arrested a man after busting a suspected illegal filling station located at a public housing estate car park in Wong Tai Sin, seizing nearly one tonne of petrol.

The department was alerted on Monday that a car parked at Phase 2 of Tsz Lok Estate was leaking fuel and giving off a strong smell of petrol.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a seven-seat vehicle leaking fuel and discovered a fuel tank along with refuelling equipment stored inside.

During the operation, officers seized 921 litres of petrol – which was enough to fill around 20 private cars.

A 34-year-old man holding a two-way permit was arrested on suspicion of committing multiple offences under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance and the Fire Services Ordinance.

The department stressed that petrol is a highly flammable liquid fuel, posing a severe explosion risk in a densely populated area like Tsz Lok Estate.

To combat illegal fuel activities, the FSD held a joint meeting on Tuesday with the Wong Tai Sin District Office, the local Fire Safety Committee, and the relevant property management firm to discuss ways to strengthen monitoring and heighten vigilance among front-line staff.

The department also urged the public to report any suspected illegal refuelling activities through its complaints platform.


Edited by Aaron Tam