A brief voltage dip in CLP Power’s network triggered safety mechanisms across multiple districts in Kowloon and the New Territories on October 25, resulting in nearly 180 reports of people trapped in lifts and numerous fire alarms being set off. The incident affected various residential and commercial buildings, hospitals, shopping centers, MTR stations, and school campuses.

The Fire Services Department received 179 reports of individuals stuck in elevators and 40 fire alarm activations between 1:10 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Four elderly women, aged between 68 and 71, sought medical attention after feeling unwell during the event; three were hospitalized due to discomfort and shortness of breath, while one experienced symptoms related to high blood pressure.

Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Yung Wai-ming said that additional emergency vehicles were dispatched from other districts to assist with the high volume of calls, which extended the response times. The longest wait for rescue in an elevator was reported as one hour and 20 minutes, while fire alarm responders recorded a maximum wait of 49 minutes.

The areas impacted included Sha Tin, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom, Yau Tong, Po Lam, Kwun Tong, Kwai Chung, Mong Kok, Cheung Sha Wan, Tai Po, and Tsuen Wan.

CLP Power, the electricity provider serving Kowloon, the New Territories, and nearby islands, attributed the incident to a voltage drop on a 400,000-volt power line linking Lai Chi Kok and Tsz Wan Shan in Kowloon. The company emphasized that there was no power outage during the event.

A company spokesman explained that some customers might have noticed dimming or flickering lights. Additionally, electrical devices sensitive to voltage fluctuations may have ceased operation as protective systems were activated. CLP Power confirmed that it has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the voltage dip.