Hiker killed by 30-metre fall from treacherous ridge on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island
Man slips off slope at Kau Nga Ling, where another hiker cheated death in February
A hiker was killed on Sunday in a fall from a popular but notoriously treacherous ridge on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island.
The 69-year-old man had set off with a group of about 15 people from Shek Pik in Lantau South Country Park in the morning.
They reached Kau Nga Ling, which literally translates as “dog teeth ridges”, a name derived from the steep gradient of slopes in the area, at about 1.30pm.
The man was said to have been climbing up a spot dubbed “slim chance of survival” by mountaineers.
He slipped and fell about 30 metres, and others in the group then called authorities for help.
Rescuers from the Government Flying Service took about an hour to find him, but he was confirmed dead at the scene.
His body was later airlifted by a helicopter to a services base at Chek Lap Kok.
Another hiker in the area when the accident happened said she had learned that the man’s wife was in his group and had seen him fall.
Veteran mountaineer Chung Kin-man said Kau Nga Ling, a group of three ridges leading up to Hong Kong’s second highest point Lantau Peak to the north, had long lured hikers with its gorgeous scenery.
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Hikers needed to use their hands to balance themselves on the ridges, which had lots of loose stones and were only suitable for those with the right experience, hiking boots and physical strength, he said.
Accidents are occasionally seen at the popular mountaineering spot.
On February 12, a 64-year-old hiker cheated death after a fall from the same ridge. His plunge was prevented by some trees, and he was conscious when airlifted to a hospital.
On January 11, a 60-year-old hiker was seriously injured by a fall in the surrounding area.
