29th September 2023 – (Hong Kong) Law enforcement authorities have reclassified an industrial accident that occurred in the West Kowloon Cultural District on Sunday (24th) as a case of manslaughter. They have temporarily charged a 62-year-old man named Shum in connection with the crime. The case will be presented in court later this morning (29th) at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts. Additionally, another 40-year-old man was arrested yesterday in Sha Tin on suspicion of manslaughter and is currently under detention for further investigation.
On the day of the incident, at 7.17am, authorities received a report from Shum, stating that two male workers, Lau Ho-cheung (63 years old) and Kwok Fo-kei (61 years old), collapsed while working at the construction site located at No. 1 Austin Road West. Rescue personnel promptly arrived at the scene, and the two men were found unconscious when rescued by the fire department. They were rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment but were pronounced dead at 8.47am and 8.52am, respectively, on the same day.
After conducting an investigation, law enforcement officials arrested Shum, a 62-year-old man, in Tsim Sha Tsui on 27th September. He is being charged with disregarding the safety and health of employees, which violates Cap 509 of the Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. Following further investigation, Shum was arrested today on suspicion of manslaughter.