Olympic Sports Center’s pool closed following fire

A fire broke out in the carpark engine room of the Macau Olympic Aquatic Center around 8 p.m. on Saturday, causing the Sports Bureau (ID) to close the center.

It is suspected that the fire was caused by the capacitor overheating.

The pool’s staff said that all swimmers and staff had been evacuated, and that no one was injured.

The Fire Services Bureau (CB) said that around 30 people evacuated by their own initiative. 

The Chief of the ID Sports Facility Management Department, Joe Ho, said, “the engine room is maintained every month, and there was no problem in the last inspection. It is believed that human factors may not be involved in the fire, but the cause of the fire needs to be investigated.”

Ho added that “presently, they need time to evaluate the electrical system. So, the swimming pool and leisure sports area are closed from today; the swimming team will need to coordinate with other swimming pools to continue training. The three-on-three basketball court and parking lot have also adjusted their opening hours.” 

Meanwhile, the Cheoc Van Swimming Pool also closed due to blockage by heavy rains over the weekend.  The pool was so affected by the rains due to its proximity to the sea and the mountains.

The authorities said it will work to open the Cheoc Van Swimming Pool as soon as possible after the drainage cleansing. 

Separately, the vaccine sites in Mong-Ha Sport Centre will close from today as the ID will have to complete works on the Sport Centre. Staff Reporter