Hong Kong authorities vow to press charges if contractor found negligent in death of 2 workers trapped in gas-filled tube as Eric Chan reveals safety rules not followed
- Top official says he has also asked Labour Department to immediately inspect other similar underground sites across the city
- Police are hunting the boss of the two workers, source says
Hong Kong’s No 2 official revealed the contractor behind the fatal workplace accident in which two men died after being trapped in a toxic gas-filled underground tube for over 12 hours had not followed safety guidelines and vowed authorities would press charges if they found the employer was negligent.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki on Monday said he had also asked the Labour Department to immediately inspect other similar underground sites across the city.
“If we find that any contractors have not been following legal requirements, we promise to take action,” Chan said.
“I have instructed police to investigate on criminal grounds whether anyone has been negligent and press charges if there is sufficient evidence.”
Chan’s comments came as the Post learned police were hunting the boss, 62, of the two workers. Officers were unable to find the man, the owner of a subcontractor involved in work at the construction site in the West Kowloon Cultural District.