A 51-year-old woman, identified by the surname Pang, remains in critical condition following a severe head injury sustained Friday morning in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, after being struck by what authorities suspect was a falling metal object. The incident occurred while Pang, reportedly a two-way permit holder collecting recyclables, was gathering cardboard in a rear alley off Jardine’s Bazaar.
The accident, which police have classified as “object falling from height – person injured,” took place around 11 a.m. on Dec. 5. Pang was working behind a restaurant at 54–58 Jardine’s Bazaar when she was reportedly hit by an iron object, causing her to collapse. Passers-by quickly alerted emergency services. She was subsequently transported by ambulance to Queen Mary Hospital for immediate treatment.
Investigation Underway, Two Arrested
The severity of the victim’s injuries became increasingly clear the next day, Saturday, Dec. 6, when a woman reported that her sister, also surnamed Pang, had collapsed following an injury sustained the day prior in an alley near 48 Yee Wo Street. Paramedics again conveyed the unconscious victim to Queen Mary Hospital.
A swift police investigation suggests the object that struck the victim was a fixed pulley, approximately 10 cm by 3.5 cm in size. The impact resulted in her loss of consciousness.
Authorities quickly moved to interview individuals connected to nearby construction activities. Police subsequently arrested two construction supervisors on suspicion of “permitting an object to fall from a building,” a serious offense under local safety regulations.
Both suspects, identified by the surname Chan, are 41 and 48 years old. The younger individual is believed to be the main contractor, while the older suspect is understood to be a subcontractor involved in the work underway at the location. They are currently detained pending further official inquiries into the safety protocols and conditions at the site.
Highlighting Worker Safety and Construction Liability
This grave incident underscores regulatory concerns surrounding construction site safety, particularly in densely populated urban centers like Causeway Bay. Falling objects pose significant risks to pedestrians and informal workers, such as those collecting recyclables, who often operate close to active construction zones.
The consequences of negligence in maintaining secure perimeters and ensuring objects are properly secured at height can be catastrophic. The specific charge, “permitting an object to fall from a building,” focuses on the failure of supervisors and contractors to implement necessary safety measures to prevent such incidents.
Contractors and subcontractors bear primary organizational responsibility for site safety. Best practices mandate comprehensive safety assessments, the deployment of netting or catch platforms, and strict adherence to tool storage and material handling procedures, especially when working above public access areas.
As Ms. Pang fights for her life, this case serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nexus between rapid urban development and the safety of the public caught in its periphery. Authorities are expected to conduct a full review of the site’s safety compliance, which could lead to substantial penalties and civil liability actions against the responsible parties. The arrests signal a commitment by law enforcement to hold construction supervisors accountable for lapses in safety that endanger the public.