A crane operator died on Thursday after the tower crane he was operating collapsed at a public housing construction site in Kwai Chung, prompting authorities to issue work suspension orders and launch investigations.
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The incident occurred around 4.27pm at a site on Tai Wo Hau Road. Fire services arrived within five minutes to find a 45-meter section of the crane had fallen from above the 40th floor onto a nearby hillside. The 62-year-old operator was trapped inside the crushed cab and pronounced dead at the scene, suffering severe head injuries and multiple fractures.
The Labour Department said initial investigations indicate the crane was lifting a metal structure when it collapsed. It has issued a "suspension of work notice" prohibiting crane use at the site and is conducting a full investigation.
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The Housing Department has demanded main contractor Woon Lee Construction submit a comprehensive report and will inspect all Housing Authority sites to prevent similar incidents. Assistant Director (Project) Max Wong Chi-chung expressed condolences to the family and said appropriate action will be taken based on investigation results.
Engineers confirmed the collapsed crane poses no further risk. The operator, employed since March 2024, was experienced, according to records.
The site, part of a Housing Authority project at Kwai Shing Circuit, comprises two residential blocks providing 937 units scheduled for completion in late 2026 and early 2027.
