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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, this (Tuesday) evening hosted a reception at Government House to commend frontline staff who were involved in the rescue operations during the China Airlines' aircraft accident on August 22.
Following is the text of the speech by Mrs Chan:
For our English-speaking guests, I would like to say a few words in English. First of all, I like to say how delighted I am to be with you all today and to meet all of you who were involved in the rescue operations during the tragic accident that occurred at Chek Lap Kok three weeks ago. Although, as you know, I was away in London at the time, I do know through the media and through our London Office and through speaking with the Chief Executive how very well you have all responded to the accident. By your action and conduct, we have kept casualties to a minimum and averted a catastrophe.
The airport rescue and fire fighting crew arrived at the scene of the accident within one minute and extinguished the blaze within 15 minutes. Despite the extreme conditions and the clear danger, our colleagues at the scene fearlessly went into the cabin to rescue those trapped in the aircraft. I also know that there were passengers in the plane who chose to stay behind, taking care of the injured, searching for survivors, and helping other people escape. If it had not been for your exemplary act of courage and gallantry, the consequence of the accident would have been unthinkable.
I would also like to note and commend the prompt assistance rendered by our medical services, the Police Force and colleagues in the Hospital Authority for conveying and treating over 200 patients and for maintaining order at the scene. As the saying goes "it is easy to be brave from a safe distance." But many of you risked your own lives to save others. It was by all acclaim a first class response and you rightly deserve praise from the community. I want to say how very proud the Administration is of you all, and I encourage you to keep up your efforts. Of course, no one wishes to see a recurrence of this sort of accident. I like to conclude by thanking you all once again.
End/Tuesday, September 14, 1999
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