Acid Attacks in Hong Kong - Updated

(Hong Kong) Acid attacks in busy shopping districts have become a chronic problem in Hong Kong. In the past year, there have been five separate attacks. Following the first attack one year ago, acid was hurled onto pedestrians in May 2009, in June, in September and then again yesterday.

Over 110 people have received burns of various degrees, some very serious.

If the authorities have a lead, it's not being disclosed. Reportedly, the police don't even know if the attacks are linked, as one might suspect. In any event, a new surveillance camera system has been installed in the Mong Kok shopping district and a request for help from the public has been issued with a reward offered.

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Dropping Acid in Hong Kong
[Previous 12/4/08post]
(Hong Kong, China) Big news today! Forty-six people have been reported injured after two bottles of acid were dropped from a high-rise building onto a commercial business district street. The incident occurred about 5 PM yesterday when the streets were packed with tourists and shoppers.

"After an initial investigation, we've determined two bottles containing a corrosive liquid were dropped from above," said Leona Leung at the Hong Kong Police Department.

"The matters (sic) is under investigation. So far nobody has been arrested," she added.

This episode is not insignificant. It is a terror attack, albeit minor. Secondly, it is prudent to suspect that it was a trial run for a future attack. Thirdly, the potential effect of a similar incident where the acid was replaced with sarin gas could have killed many people. And lastly, it's just too damn easy to toss a couple glass containers from a building onto the street.

Currently, travelers are restricted from taking containers of liquids onto airplanes. There are no similar restrictions regarding tall buildings in busy cities.

Tip: ESWN Blog