An Argus4 camera aids search for trapped workers in Hong Kong Lion Rock Tunnel fire
A fire in Lion Rock Tunnel, Hong Kong broke out in the morning of Thursday 8th March at around 3.30am. There were more than a dozen workers trapped in the blaze whilst they were repairing the underground water mains.
Lion Rock Tunnel in Hong Kong is one of the major tunnels connecting New Territories and New Kowloon. Firefighters used eight jets and six breathing apparatus teams to fight the flames, but because of the narrow pipes in the tunnel, it could only accommodate one person to fight the blaze.
The Argus thermal imaging camera was used by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department to detect hot spots and the seat of the fire. This enabled the firefighters to locate trapped workers where the tunnel was fully filled with thick smoke. Due to the limited access from the size and thickness of smoke in the tunnel, the camera played a crucial part in aiding the single firefighter to gain a visual and safe passage.
An article has been published in a local Chinese magazine stating how useful the camera was in locating the seat of the fire and helping to save the lives of the trapped workers. The fire burned for more than six hours and authorities are still investigating the cause.
Thermal imaging technology is available from e2v, who has a 30 year heritage in the industry. Further information on the Argus handheld thermal imaging camera from e2v can be found by visiting www.argusdirect.com/fire.
