Two workers were killed and three others injured in an industrial accident when a large scaffolding collapsed at a construction site in Kai Tak on Tuesday.

The accident happened at the Pano Harbour housing project on Shing Fu Lane, where a 30-storey residential building was under construction.

The Fire Services Department said it received a report at around 5pm that a scaffolding measuring 15 metres by 8 metres suddenly collapsed, hitting four workers on the site.

Two of them, female workers aged 54 and 68, were trapped under the rubble.

Firefighters arrived on the scene and rescued them about 12 minutes later, but they had stopped breathing when they were found.

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate them and took them to United Christian Hospital, where they later died.

Officials said a worker was working on the scaffolding on the 19th floor when it collapsed, but she escaped death because she was wearing a safety harness.

Authorities, including police, labour and building officials, are investigating the accident.

Wan Chi-ping, an assistant commissioner of labour, said his department was very concerned about the accident.

"If we find that anyone has violated the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, the Labour Department will initiate a prosecution. As well as investigating, the department will also issue suspension notices to the contractors concerned to stop any work involving the use of bamboo scaffolding," he said.

The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims said the Labour Department should check whether there are any problems with the safety system and deal with them seriously.

Its chief executive Siu Sin-man said workers should be careful when resuming work at construction sites after a long holiday.

"Maybe during the long holiday, some items have been moved. When workers return to work, they should check and ensure there are no problems before they start working," she said.
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Last updated: 2024-02-20 HKT 23:22