‘Communication problem’ led to Hong Kong police officer telling paramedics there were no injuries in MTR station on night seven people were hurt, fire service says

Backup ambulance crew arrived at station after midnight but officer standing guard at exit E said no one was injured; they waited there for 15 minutes

Officials, for the ninth time in 12 days, again attempt to debunk rumours three protesters were killed in Prince Edward MTR station on August 31

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Fire service chiefs again try to debunk rumours of fatalities on the night of August 31. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Published: 11:23pm, 12 Sep 2019Updated: 4:49am, 13 Sep 2019

A police officer told paramedics arriving at a Hong Kong metro station that there were no injured people inside although seven had been hurt, but fire service chiefs and the force said on Thursday the incident arose from a communication problem and did not affect rescue operations.

Officials, for the ninth time in 12 days, again attempted to debunk unfounded rumours that three anti-government protesters were killed in Prince Edward MTR station on August 31 by police using excessive force.

“It is impossible for us to leave the scene without taking good care of injured citizens,” deputy chief fire officer Derek Armstrong Chan said, brushing aside accusations the authorities had hidden injury numbers.

“We did not see anyone die that night. This is an assurance the Fire Services Department gives to Hong Kong citizens.”

Deputy chief ambulance officer Tsang Man-ha and Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy chief fire officer. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Seven people had been found injured, not 10 as initially counted by ambulance crews, sparking online allegations three had died and that officials had something to hide.