Hong Kong woman arrested for power theft after flat fire kills 5 pets
Air conditioner left running led to short circuit, killing 3 cats and 2 dogs.
A 56-year-old Hong Kong woman, surnamed Chan, has been arrested for allegedly stealing electricity after a fire in her Mong Kok flat resulted in the deaths of three cats and two dogs. Investigators reported on July 24, 2026, that Chan had left her Tung Choi Street flat around 6pm the previous day with the air conditioner running. The fire broke out at 9:27pm, suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit linked to the air conditioner. Security guards alerted police, and firefighters broke into the flat to extinguish the blaze. The animals were found unconscious and were confirmed dead by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at about 11pm.
CLP, the power supplier, had detected irregularities in the flat's electricity supply, leading to Chan's arrest for power theft. Approximately 50 residents were evacuated from the building as a safety measure. No human injuries were reported. The incident highlights the dangers of tampering with electrical systems, which can lead to catastrophic fires and tragedy for both humans and pets. Authorities continue to investigate the exact method of the alleged theft and the extent of the electrical damage.
- 56-year-old woman Chan arrested for electricity theft after fire killed 5 pets.
- Fire started at 9:27pm on July 23, 2026, from a short circuit linked to an air conditioner.
- About 50 people evacuated; CLP power supplier flagged irregularities in electricity supply.
Why It Matters
This case underscores how electricity theft can lead to fatal fires, endangering lives and pets.