Sparks from air-conditioning unit falling through wire fence ignited goods in deadly fire, Hong Kong investigators believe

Source tells Post probe is focusing on a third-floor unit located at the heart of the Ngau Tau Kok industrial building

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Police officers carrying items for their probe into the Ngau Tau Kok industrial building. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Published: 4:25pm, 29 Jun 2016Updated: 8:16pm, 29 Jun 2016

Sparks from an air conditioner due to an electrical fault are thought to have ignited goods inside a mini-storage cubicle and set off the 108-hour inferno in Ngau Tau Kok that killed two firemen, the Post has learned.

An investigation has indicated a third-floor air conditioner fitted to the ceiling of a passageway near the heart of the 2,400 square metre facility at Amoycan Industrial Centre may have been at fault, sources said.

“Initial investigation indicated sparks drifted into one of the mini-storage cubicles through a wire fence and ignited goods stored inside,” a source said.

The 30cm-tall strip of wire fencing was fitted above metal partitions separating the corridor from the storage units, and ran from the ceiling down to the top of the partitions.

Sparks drifted into one of the main storage cubicles through a wire fence

Post source, on the fire investigation

As each of the cubicles was packed from floor to ceiling with a variety of goods, another source said, the fire easily spread.