Several clips recorded on a social platform Threads have gone viral, showing a Kongming lantern floating in the night sky above Shekaman Hill in Hong Kong's Western District, posing a risk of fire in the densely populated residential area. According to eyewitnesses, the lantern, with a lit opening, soared high among towering buildings, creating a dangerous situation. Firefighters were promptly alerted and later collected an extinguished lantern in the pedestrian zone.
One of the posters who made the report described the incident as an alarming occurrence. At around midnight, the poster noticed a strange light outside and immediately called 999, reporting an unauthorized Kongming lantern flying dangerously close to residential buildings. The poster expressed frustration over the incident, noting the current dry weather conditions could have led to serious consequences if the lantern had ignited an object.
Following the report, the Fire Service arrived within minutes and helped locate and collect the extinguished lantern. Authorities are currently investigating the identity of the person who released the lantern. The incident has sparked public outrage on social media, with many condemning the act as reckless and irresponsible, especially given the current dry and windy conditions in the region. Under Hong Kong's existing laws, anyone found releasing a Kongming lantern or other fire-bearing aerial objects could be in violation of the Flora and Fauna Ordinance or related regulations, potentially facing fines and even imprisonment.