(Video) Smoking construction crane in Chai Wan raises safety concern

A video showing a column of white smoke rising above a tower crane on a construction site in Chai Wan has raised concerns whether the crane is at risk of collapse.

The 18-second footage, published by the construction concern group Chinat Monitor Chairman Jason Poon Chuk-hung, showed smoke pouring from a crane and fire was seen near the crane's control room. 

A worker could also be heard shouting in the video voicing a concern that the crane might collapse.

Poon said the footage was filmed on Monday (Nov 6) at the construction site of Water Supplies Department Headquarters with Hong Kong and Islands Regional Office and Correctional Services Department Headquarters Building in Chai Wan.

It was learned that Aggressive Construction Company Limited is the site's contractor, and the company has been involved in several fatal industrial accidents recently.

Regarding the incident, the Architectural Services Department said it had promptly demanded the principal contractor undertake a detailed inspection of the concerned crane and provide an investigation report. 

The crane in question was promptly deactivated until it is deemed safe to operate.

The registration of Aggressive Construction Company expired in April this year and the Buildings Department is processing its application for renewal of registration as soon as possible under the established mechanism, including collating information on the two fatal construction site incidents.