9 people evacuated as fire erupts at shipyard in Hong Kong’s Aberdeen

A fire erupted at a shipyard in Aberdeen on Friday, sending dark clouds billowing into the neighbourhood, a Hong Kong government spokesman said.

The fire escalated into a No.3 alarm within half an hour at the shipyard on Shum Wan Road at 4.11pm, according to the spokesman. Nine people were evacuated and no casualties were reported.

“Members of the public who are being affected by the smoke and an unusual odour carried by the wind are advised to close their doors and windows and stay calm,” the spokesman said.

In Hong Kong, fires are rated on a scale of one to five according to their seriousness.

The spokesman added that the Fire Services Department deployed three fire hose teams and mobilised two breathing apparatus teams to fight the blaze.

Police said that as of 4.30pm, there were five men and four women evacuated from the scene, with no casualties reported.