Hung Hom Funeral Parlour Halts Most Services After Power Failure
AM730 · 4 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Wan Kwai Funeral Parlour in Hung Hom has been forced to offer only limited services following a major power system failure on August 9. The incident, caused by a busbar riser and fuse malfunction on the second floor, knocked out lighting, air conditioning and smoke extraction systems across several floors. Operators Tung Wah Group of Hospitals say the mortuary in the basement remains unaffected, while restoration work is underway with full recovery expected within two days.
Key Points
- The power failure occurred at approximately 3pm on August 9, affecting lighting, air conditioning, smoke extraction systems and cargo elevators on multiple floors .
- Engineering inspections revealed that the busbar riser and fuse in the 2nd floor meter room had failed, with the exact cause still under investigation .
- The five-storey facility houses five funeral halls and 16 funeral rooms; the basement mortuary and cold storage equipment remained operational throughout .
- Affected families are being contacted in order of scheduled funeral dates; refunds are available, and transfers to Wan Kwok or Diamond Hill funeral parlours are offered free of charge .
- The venue, originally the Hung Hom Public Mortuary established in 1978, is over 40 years old and operated by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals under a five-year Food and Environmental Hygiene Department contract .
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing infrastructure concerns at one of Hong Kong's oldest funeral facilities, with industry insiders pointing to equipment aging and the limitations of short-term operating contracts that discourage major capital investments in system upgrades . Families arranging funerals during this period face uncertainty and potential disruption during an already difficult time.
The incident highlights ongoing infrastructure concerns at one of Hong Kong's oldest funeral facilities, with industry insiders pointing to equipment aging and the limitations of short-term operating contracts that discourage major capital investments in system upgrades . Families arranging funerals during this period face uncertainty and potential disruption during an already difficult time.