Mice Drop from Ceiling in Lai Chi Wo Restaurant, Tea Drinkers Scream in Horror

Mice suddenly crashed from the ceiling and landed on a customer in an Lai Chi Wo restaurant near the Lo Wu Exit/Entry Point in Kowloon yesterday (8th), causing an outcry and horror among the patrons. The customer, who was sitting with a 4-month-old baby, later reported that the employees did not immediately respond to the incident. The situation sparked much concern on social media and calls for the Environmental Protection Department to intensify its rat eradication efforts.

In recent days, a worrying rat infestation in Hong Kong has left customers frightened, with a video circulating online showing a harrowing experience at a restaurant in Lok Ma Chau. Around 11:50 am on the 8th, the incident occurred when a patron was sipping tea with her 4-month-old baby. Suddenly, a rat fell from the ceiling, striking her arm and leaving a bloodstain. The unfortunate patron recounted: "Not only was it terrifying to see a rat fall from the ceiling, but we were also holding a 4-month-old baby at the time. If it had fallen a bit more, the consequences would be unimaginable." She further noted that at least eight staff members at an adjacent table were eating, but no one came to assist them when the incident happened. A passerby shared: "They didn't rush to see if anyone was injured or immediately deal with the rat. It was more like they were just watching." Eventually, a staff member provided a blue plastic basket to cover the deceased rat. The incident sparked widespread debate online, with many expressing concern and horror. Some commented: "So terrifying!" and "Another one!" There were also calls for the Environmental Health Department to take action, as multiple netizens noted: "There are rats everywhere, the Environmental Hygiene Department needs to take action. It's so scary and unhygienic to see these things happen all the time online."

The lack of immediate response from the restaurant staff has drawn criticism, with many believing that proper rat management should be prioritized to ensure public safety and hygiene. The Hong Kong government has been under increasing pressure to address the growing rat population in urban areas, with incidents like this serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective pest control measures.

While this specific incident occurred in Lok Ma Chau, it is part of a broader pattern of increased rodent activity that has been reported across the territory. Environmental experts suggest that factors such as increased urbanization, insufficient garbage management, and suboptimal building maintenance contribute to creating ideal conditions for rats to proliferate. The Environmental Protection Department has pledged to intensify their efforts to tackle the issue, although some critics remain skeptical, pushing for more transparent and rapid responses to such events.