Hong Kong police arrest man, 75, for suspected arson after fire destroys part of road noise barrier

A 75-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a blaze destroyed part of a noise barrier on a busy road in Hong Kong on Wednesday, halting traffic on the major route in the southern New Territories for more than half a day.

The fire began at around 11am on Wednesday under a footbridge next to the structure that covers the westbound lanes of Cheung Pei Shan Road near Shek Kuk House at Shek Wai Kok Estate, before spreading to the barrier.

Police originally said they did not find anything suspicious about the fire but had yet to determine what caused it.

They reclassified the case as arson on Thursday morning.

The man, a resident in Tsuen Wan, was arrested near the estate the same day. Three lighters and a cutter were also found on him. His motive was still being investigated.

The fierce flames rapidly engulfed a 20-metre (66-foot) stretch of the noise barrier. Burning debris fell onto the road, which connects with the Shing Mun Tunnel, forcing approaching vehicles to stop.