26th May 2023 – (Hong Kong) At around 7pm last Saturday, tragedy struck at The Villa, a rented premises located at 12B Bowen Road in Mid-Levels. Two individuals were leaning on a railing during a party when the railing suddenly gave way, causing them to fall down a 3 to 4-meter deep slope. The two individuals, a 25-year-old South African man and a 22-year-old British woman, both holding British passports were severely injured and trapped.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene and quickly rescued the two individuals, who were then taken to a safe location for medical treatment. The incident shocked the partygoers, many of whom were foreign nationals attending an event called PARADISE POOL, organised by Big Noodle Events. The 25-year-old South African man holding a British passport remained hospitalised for several days in critical condition after the incident, but unfortunately passed away on 25th May at 1.06 pm.
The Villa is known for its spacious wooden terrace, swimming pool, and beautifully landscaped garden, all of which offer stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. The venue is available for rent for corporate functions, weddings, private celebrations, and intimate gatherings by the pool.
The PARADISE POOL event, which was held on the day of the incident, offered attendees free-flowing drinks, food, and performances by seven DJs. The tickets were priced from HK$950 to HK$1,300 per person for early purchases, with a door charge of HK$1,500 per person. The event was scheduled to run from 2pm to 9pm, with an after-party planned from 9.30pm onwards.
However, the tragic incident cast a dark shadow over the event, leaving many in shock and disbelief. The incident also raised questions about the safety of the rented premises and the responsibility of event organiser to ensure the safety of their attendees.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident.