Fatal crane collapse: Labour Dept issues crane operation suspension notice

已複製連結

A tower crane collapsed at a construction site in Kwai Chung this afternoon, killing a 62-year-old operator.

A labour rights group says tonight that the tower crane which had been in use for three years underwent inspection Thursday morning.

Meeting the press tonight, the Labour Department says it will take serious follow-up action and has issued a suspension notice to the contractor, halting the use of the crane.

The Fire Services Department says the upper section of the crane, above around the 40th floor, collapsed onto a hillside. The fallen structure measured about 45 metres in length. When paramedics arrived, the trapped worker was found with severe head injuries and multiple fractures, and was certified dead at the scene.

The Labour Department says the crane was lifting a metal structure at the time of the incident -- when part of it suddenly gave way.

The Housing Department, meanwhile, says appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the contractor, subject to investigation findings.

The Fire Services Department says reports were received at around 4:30 p.m., with crews arriving within five minutes after the calls were reported. A total of 31 fire appliances and ambulances, along with 96 personnel, were deployed.

Authorities stresses that prosecutions will follow if any violations are found.

The Housing Department reveals that the deceased joined the company in March 2024 and was a local worker. The public housing construction site, located at Tai Wo Hau, was undergoing lifting operations at the time.

Authorities said the contractor will be required to submit a detailed investigation report.

The department added that, according to records, the contractor had been conducting regular inspections in line with statutory and contractual requirements, and there is currently no risk of further crane collapse.