Passengers evacuated from Hong Kong train carriage after lithium battery catches fire

Passengers have been evacuated from a train carriage after a portable fan’s lithium battery fell from a commuter’s bag and caught fire, injuring a man sitting next to him.

The train was arriving at Yau Tong MTR station when the incident took place at around 8.57am, according to police.

“The lithium battery of a handheld fan fell from a male passenger’s bag and caught fire, causing an injury to a 26-year-old man sitting next to him,” a force spokesman said.

He said the victim sustained minor injuries to his torso and was taken to United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong for treatment.

The left side of the man’s white shirt had black spots when he was leaving the station.

According to the Fire Services Department, a fire engine and an ambulance were sent to the railway station after receiving a report at 9.03am.