The 56-year-old owner of Keung Kee snack shop in Wan Chai received second and third degree burns to his chest and right shoulder after a suspected leaky lighter burst into flames in his pocket.
Ng Siu-fung was reported to be in front of his restaurant on Lockhart Road at around 10:25am yesterday when the incident occurred. According to Apple Daily, Ng lit a cigarette and put the lighter in his shirt pocket when the garment suddenly burst into flames.
Ng’s brothers, who were with him, quickly doused the flames with water and helped him pull his shirt off. The 56-year-old was sent to Ruttonjee Hospital, where he is being treated for second and third degree burns to his chest and right shoulder.
Talking to Sing Tao Daily, Ng said he has been a heavy smoker for over 30 years, and doesn’t intend on quitting the nicotine sticks any time soon. “I’m so unlucky!” Ng lamented.
Following initial investigations, police officers and fire fighters reportedly believe that the incident was caused by a leaky lighter. Ng’s wife told Sing Tao Daily that the lighter had been purchased in mainland China, and was marketed as “windproof”.
A spokesperson from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers warned that windproof lighters are much hotter than regular “soft flame” lighters, and must be allowed time to sufficiently cool down before being put away.
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