Officials have completed investigations into a crane collapse accident that killed three people and injured six others at a construction site in September. But the details released to the families of the victims and the public remain patchy. The lack of transparency does little for those seeking justice and closure, and does not instil confidence in the government’s commitment to enhancing industrial safety. The Labour Department concluded the six-month probe with a six-paragraph statement and a two-page annex on the incident. It said the welded joint between the metal I-beams on the top of the grillage foundation connecting to the base of the tower crane and the second layer of the metal I-beams were found torn off after the accident, resulting in the collapse of the crane. A total of 67 prosecutions had been brought against the relevant contractor, subcontractors and individuals under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. But the statement stopped short of naming the parties and the charges concerned. The 65-tonne tower crane that toppled and crashed into the container offices at the housing site in Sau Mau Ming was one of the worst industrial accidents in recent times. It has again called into question the unsatisfactory safety record for workers as the city’s appetite for growth and development continues to increase. Officials have since pledged to handle the case seriously. Sadly, at least three workers died in separate incidents within 48 hours in December. Without more details, the public cannot tell whether the authorities are doing their best to bring those responsible for the crane accident to justice. Officials were already under fire for their response to the accident when compared to that involving the injuries of a dancer struck by a falling video screen during the boy band Mirror’s concert last summer. We trust the labour chief will honour his pledge to disclose more details when the prosecutions and investigations by other departments have ended. It is important that those responsible are brought to justice. Just as crucial is to speed up the legislative amendment for more severe punishment against violations of industrial safety.