A gas explosion in Ngau Tau Kok has killed an elderly woman and injured eight others. The Police, Fire Services and Electrical & Mechanical Services Departments are investigating.

About 12.30pm today fire officers arrived at the junction of Ngau Tau Kok and Jordan Valley North Roads to investigate a gas leak. About 2.38pm the explosion occurred injuring six men and three women, aged 20 to 94. They were sent to United Christian Hospital where an 89-year-old woman was certified dead. Two are in critical condition. Four have been treated and discharged.

Fire Services Acting Senior Divisional Officer (Kowloon Central) Ma Ning said the explosion occurred on the ground floor of Wai King Building on Jordan Valley North Road, creating a crater almost a metre deep in the lobby.

Mr Ma said as the explosion occurred after the gas supply had been cut, further investigations are needed to identify its cause.