Improve training for Hong Kong firefighters and building management staff, Coroner’s Court urges after deadly 2014 gas blast
Inquest finds lapses in handling of Shek Kip Mei incident that killed principal fireman Leung Kwok-kei
A Hong Kong court on Wednesday urged the Fire Services Department to improve training for firefighters in the handling of gas leaks, following a Shek Kip Mei explosion that killed a principal fireman in 2014.
Coroner Wong Wai-kuen also called on the property management company involved to provide proper staff training and urged the provision of gas detectors in buildings, in light of the three-hour delay found in the case. He suggested that the government look into the recommendations, which could be applied to all buildings.
Wong’s comments concluded a week-long inquest over the death of fireman Leung Kwok-kei, 49, who was killed after a gas leak in a flat led to an explosion when his team forced their way in.
Wong observed that the gas explosion on November 22, 2014 at Mei Ying House in Shek Kip Mei Estate was “very unusual”, but concluded Leung’s death was an accident.
Leung was survived by his wife and 17-year-old daughter, after 29 years of meritorious service with the department. His sister Leung Miu-ngor cried in court as Wong extended his condolences.
The Coroner’s Court heard the gas leak at the public housing estate began at about 5.30am that day when a chemist living in the flat turned the dial on his gas stove in the kitchen to the maximum, loosened gas pipes, closed all windows and lit some clothes stored in a plastic box.