The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, inspected on Wednesday (4 July) the site of the explosion that occurred on Tuesday (3 July). The incident, at the Pak Lei Building, in the Areia Preta district, is thought to have been caused by a cylinder of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). After receiving on-site reports from officials in charge of the public security authorities, Mr Chui then visited Conde S. Januario Hospital to meet some of the people injured in the incident, and express his concern for all of them.
During his visit to the explosion site, Mr Chui was accompanied by: the Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak; the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng; the Commissioner-General of the Unitary Police Service, Mr Ma Io Kun; the Commissioner of the Fire Services Bureau, Mr Leong Iok Sam; the Director of the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau, Mr Li Canfeng; and the Acting Chairman of the Administration Committee of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Mr Lo Chi Kin. During the site inspection, the Chief Executive was given an update regarding the progress of the investigation.
Secretary Wong reported on the latest situation at the explosion site. He said he had earlier visited Conde S. Januario Hospital to express – on behalf of the Government – condolences to the loved ones of the woman that died in the incident, and its care and concern for those injured. He had also made a previous visit to the incident site to gain an understanding of the situation.
Commissioner Leong gave a report to the Chief Executive regarding the rescue process, and first aid treatment rendered to the victims of the explosion. The preliminary investigation by the Fire Services Bureau indicated the explosion had been caused by an LPG leak while gas cylinders were being exchanged. The bureau is currently conducting a further investigation together with the Public Security Police.
The Acting Commander of the Public Security Police, Mr Wong Chi Fai, present at the site, reported that the police arrived on site immediately after the incident, addressing the need to maintain public order and to divert traffic to facilitate rescue operations. The police also ensured buildings and streets affected were cleared of debris by 7.30am on Wednesday morning, so that people in the neighbourhood could resume normal daily life.
Mr Chui expressed concern regarding how the aftermath of the explosion had affected neighbouring residents. He recognised the importance of determining the exact cause of the incident, and urged precautions be taken to ensure the safety of the affected building's tenants.
The Chief Executive then went to Conde S. Januario Hospital with Secretaries Wong and Tam, and Commissioner Ma. On his visit to the injured, Mr Chui was accompanied by: the Director of the Health Bureau, Mr Lei Chin Ion; the President of the Social Welfare Bureau, Ms Vong Yim Mui; the Deputy Director of the Health Bureau and Director of the Conde S. Januario Hospital, Dr Kuok Cheong U; and the Medical Director of the Conde S. Januario Hospital, Dr Lei Wai Seng.
One of the victims suffered burn injuries and is being treated in the intensive care unit. To safeguard the risk of infection to that person from the outside world, Mr Chui did not have direct personal contact with the person, in line with medical advice.
The Chief Executive has written a letter to the loved ones of the woman who died in the incident, to express his condolences.
Immediately after Wednesday’s hospital visit, the Chief Executive convened a cross-departmental meeting at Government Headquarters to receive detailed reports from the Secretaries and departments concerned, regarding the incident. The meeting also heard recommendations and instructions regarding necessary work following the incident, and heard about preventive measures to be put in place.
Mr Chui said that the Government and the public were greatly concerned about the incident, and the fatality and injuries arising from it. The cross-departmental meeting aimed to play a role in the process to determine the cause of the incident, and to discuss how to enhance measures to safeguard against similar events in future. He instructed all departments to fulfil their duties to expedite the investigation.