Hong Kong voltage drop causes hundreds of lift entrapments

A sudden voltage drop along a 400-kilovolt power line in Hong Kong caused widespread disruptions on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 1:09 p.m. on a line connecting Lai Chi Kok to Tsz Wan Shan, managed by CLP Power.

While the power supply was not interrupted, the voltage dip caused lights to flicker and sensitive electronic devices to stop operating in parts of Kowloon and the New Territories. The Fire Services Department (FSD) received approximately 178 to 179 reports of people trapped in lifts and 39 reports of falsely triggered fire alarms, with many incidents concentrated in the Yau Tsim Mong district.

Four women aged 68 to 71 reported injuries after being trapped in lifts; three were hospitalized due to discomfort and shortness of breath. CLP Power is currently investigating the cause of the voltage drop and has apologized for the inconvenience caused to residents.