Bad day for theme parks as rides come to a halt
Families were stranded mid-air on rides at Hong Kong's two theme parks yesterday. A nine-minute power cut at Ocean Park affected six rides, including the Ferris wheel and the Abyss Turbo Drop. All passengers were returned to the ground safely. At Disneyland, 36 passengers were trapped in the Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop at 5pm after the safety mechanism was activated. They were all returned to the ground within a few minutes and the ride was reopened after 20 minutes. Both parks are investigating the causes of the events. Hongkong Electric said the power cut was due to a fault at Ocean Park.
New convict in drug bust as he arrives at jail
Illegal drugs were found on a new prisoner entering Lai Chi Kok jail yesterday. The 24-year-old man had been sent to prison for breaching a supervision order related to court-ordered drug-addiction treatment. Eight illegal pills were found in his luggage during a routine admission search. The Correctional Services Department said there were 125 seizures of dangerous drugs in its facilities last year.
Hospital isolates 6 women with influenza A virus
Six women aged 19 to 48 at Siu Lam Hospital were found to have contracted influenza A, which can cause both bird flu and swine flu. The six developed fever and respiratory symptoms two weeks ago and test results for the virus proved positive. The patients were transferred to Tuen Mun Hospital, where they were being kept in isolation last night. They were said to be in stable condition. Three staff members at Siu Lam Hospital also reported respiratory problems. One of them has recovered and resumed duty and two remain on sick leave.
Gang caught breaking into house