 Two killed after crane topples in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay
Two killed after crane topples in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay
By Channel NewsAsia's Hong Kong Bureau Chief Roland Lim | Posted: 10 July 2007 2247 hrs
HONG KONG : Two workers died when a 24-tonne crane collapsed in a demolition site accident in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay on Tuesday morning.
Five other workers were injured.
In the centre of Hong Kong's busy shopping belt, high drama took place as the construction crane toppled over just before 10am.
The accident happened along busy Hennessy Road where three buildings were being demolished to make way for a new commercial complex.
More than 100 firefighters were called to the scene.
The crane gave way 15 metres above ground while its height was being adjusted, trapping three workers in its lower portion and one on the upper end.
A team had to be airlifted by a similar crane to free the trapped workers.
It was a delicate rescue operation conducted by Hong Kong Fire Services that lasted for several hours.
They had to be sure the structure was secure before they pushed out the remaining workers from the toppled crane.
Kong Ping Lam, Hong Division Commander, HK Fire Services, said: "It is a demolition site. With metal racks on stairways obstructing our fire crew's way, it became difficult to carry out rescue work and transportation. The crane is 24 tonnes and bears the risks of falling further. We need time to stabilise it with bulldozers. We have to ensure the safety of both the workers and the rescuers."
Doctors confirmed two deaths at the scene, one on the 9th floor, and one in the crane's lower portion.
Two other workers were slightly injured during escape.
All five injured workers were taken to hospitals.
The cause of the accident is still being investigated. - CNA/ch | 
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