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Hong Kong lift accident that injured two people caused by braking system malfunction, government report reveals

Technical investigation report came three months after couple suffered critical injuries when lift smashed into ceiling of 46-storey residential block

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Waterside Plaza on Wing Shun Street, in Tsuen Wan, where the lift failed to stop and crashed into the top floor of the 46-storey residential block. Photo: Dickson Lee
Karen Zhang

A freak lift accident that injured two people in Hong Kong was caused by a malfunction in the braking system, it has been revealed.

The government on Saturday released the findings of an investigation into the accident at the Waterside Plaza in Tsuen Wan on April 8, and demanded contractors of all old lifts citywide step up inspections to enhance safety.

The 14-page technical investigation report, released by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, came three months after a couple suffered critical injuries when the lift they were in failed to stop at 15th floor where they lived and ascended all the way up, before smashing into the ceiling of the 46-storey residential block.

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A resident studies a notice board in Waterside Plaza. Photo: Dickson Lee
A resident studies a notice board in Waterside Plaza. Photo: Dickson Lee

Another passenger had been in the lift just before the accident, but got out on a lower floor.

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The report said the lift car did not stop at the 15th floor because the brake plunger had been jammed by metal strips and debris from a damaged spacer ring.

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