SIX firemen were injured when their fire engine overturned outside Legco as they raced to answer a 999 call yesterday. The vehicle toppled over and fell on to fencing outside the Legislative Council building, leaving a long skid mark across the road. Six firefighters were slightly injured and were sent to Tang Shiu Kin Hospital for treatment. A Legco security guard said: 'At around 11am, we heard a loud noise outside. 'When we rushed out, we saw a fire engine overturned on the pavement. 'We called police. Fortunately, it is Saturday and there was no one walking on the pavement.' Police officers sealed off Des Voeux Road, Central, causing traffic jams for two hours, while tram services were halted for more than an hour. Police superintendent Ho Ming-sun said: 'We are still investigating the cause of the crash. 'It is possible the fire engine was going too fast while on its way to the fire scene.' Electrical and Mechanical Services Department officers were called in to tow the vehicle away. Five of the injured firemen were discharged from hospital, while one remained in a satisfactory condition last night. A Fire Services Department spokesman said unless the firemen had received a special order, emergency vehicles must comply with traffic regulations. A police spokesman said: 'Vehicles of the disciplinary forces must always put public security first. 'We cannot ignore public safety at the expense of carrying out orders.' The fire engine was believed to have been rushing to a fire at a fast-food restaurant in Stanley Street. The fire was eventually put out at midday and nobody was injured in the blaze.
