This picture taken on April 6, 2023 shows illuminated neon signs in Hong Kong. (PHOTO / AFP)

HONG KONG – A power outage hit Hong Kong Island after midnight on Wednesday, leaving some people trapped in lifts and traffic lights malfunctioning.

The voltage dip occurred in areas in Hong Kong Island at 12:45 am, according to a statement from the Fire Services Department. The outage lasted for around 40 minutes in some areas, local media reported.

The Fire Services Department received 11 reports of persons being trapped in elevators in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Ap Lei Chau, North Point, and Sai Wan Ho between 1 am and 1:29 am while many others reported fire alarms setting off

The FSD received 11 reports of persons being trapped in elevators in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Ap Lei Chau, North Point, and Sai Wan Ho between 1 am and 1:29 am while many others reported automatic fire alarms setting off.

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A North Point resident said he was jogging at the promenade near the Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hotel when the lights suddenly went out.

“All the lights suddenly went out and everything was dark. But it lasted only for a second or two and the power was back again,” said Philip, who did not give his surname.

He said the traffic lights at the intersection of Java Road and Tong Shui Road also malfunctioned and the few eastbound motorists on Java Road slowed down to watch out for any cars coming from the Island Eastern Corridor.

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The Traffic Department said all traffic lights were working normally as of 9 am while Hongkong Electric, which provides power for Hong Kong Island, said it was investigating the cause of the incident.