When an apartment block being built in Hong Kong collapsed, killing 6 construction workers
- An apartment block under construction in Wuhu Street, Kowloon, collapsed without warning one afternoon in 1953, trapping 25 workers, the Post reported
- An inquest jury later gave its opinion that ‘defective construction resulting from the manner in which the concrete mixture was produced’ caused the collapse
“Three storeys of concrete, steel and wood of an almost completed block of flats collapsed in Wuhu Street, Kowloon, yesterday afternoon, burying an estimated 25 workmen of whom six were dug up dead and six recovered alive up to an early hour this morning,” reported the South China Morning Post on September 9, 1953.
“The total death toll is not yet known as rescue operations are still in progress and are likely to continue until late this evening. Those still under the tons of debris include a child.
“His Excellency the Governor, Sir Alexander Grantham [ …] visited the scene of the disaster about 10 o’clock last night.
“Eyewitnesses of the disaster said that the unfinished structure collapsed without warning. They said that there were no signs of weakening or sounds of cracking until the flats started caving in, collapsing towards Wuhu Street at 4.15pm
“Hung Hom Police Station was a busy place yesterday, as some 30 people were taken there, some for first aid and others to give information about the disaster.”
