Hiker dies after Sham Tseng collapse during hot weather alert

A 64-year-old man died after collapsing while hiking at Sham Tseng yesterday while the hot weather warning was in force.

It is understood the man, Chiu, was a truck driver.

He had been suffering from heart disease for years and needed to take medication regularly.

Chiu and his wife began hiking from Sham Hong Road in Sham Tseng at 10.15am yesterday and headed toward Tsuen Wan via the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail.

When the couple arrived at Tsing Fai Tong New Village in Tsuen Wan at 10.48am - the time the Observatory issued the very hot weather warning - Chiu suddenly felt dizzy and could not continue.

His wife called the police, but Chiu was unconscious before emergency personnel arrived.

A helicopter with the Government Flying Service was deployed because the couple's location was not near any roads. He was rushed to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital by helicopter and was declared dead there. His wife sustained foot injuries and was escorted by police.

Tsing Fai Tong village, where Chiu passed out, is located between Sham Tseng and Tin Fu Tsai in Tai Lam and is part of Tai Lam Country Park. The village is about a 45-minute walk from Sham Tseng.

A 24-year-old woman, Yu, also suffered from heat stroke at noon yesterday while hiking in Sai Kung with five friends.

Yu was sent to Sai Kung marine police base by speedboat. However, she felt better after a rest and refused to be sent to hospital.

The observatory said that the temperatures recorded at the Tai Mei Tuk weather station in Sai Kung reached 35.3 degrees Celsius.

It issued the very hot weather warning at 10.45am and urged people to avoid outdoor activities.

The warning was taken down at 2.45pm.

Cardiologist Duncan Ho Hung-kwong yesterday said that people with heart disease should consult a doctor about the exercise that best suits them.

It is important for patients to choose a shaded hiking trail and bring sufficient food and water, Ho said.