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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, today (Tuesday) commended a group of frontline staff who were involved in the rescue operations during the China Airlines' aircraft accident at Chek Lap Kok on August 22.

The Government hosted a reception at Government House this evening for more than a hundred rescue staff from over 15 government departments and airport, medical, and voluntary organisations.

Speaking at the reception, Mrs Chan said: "By your action and conduct, we have kept casualties to a minimum and averted a catastrophe."

"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."

Accompanied by the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, Mrs Chan met with the frontline staff from the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Civil Aviation Department, Hong Kong Observatory, Raffles Medical at the airport, Fire Services Department, Auxiliary Medical Service, Port Health Office of the Department of Health, Civil Aid Service, Hong Kong St John Ambulance, Hong Kong Police Force, Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, Government Flying Service, Aviation Security Company Ltd, Hospital Authority, Home Affairs Department, Information Services Department and Social Welfare Department.

Mrs Chan noted that the airport rescue and fire fighting crew arrived at the scene of the accident within one minute and extinguished the blaze within 15 minutes.

She said: "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," she stressed.

Mrs Chan also commended the prompt assistance rendered by the medical services, the Police Force and staff of the Hospital Authority for conveying and treating over 200 patients and for maintaining order at the scene.

Photo: At the Government House reception this evening in appreciation of frontline staff's efforts and contributions in providing rescue services in the China Airlines aircraft accident on August 22, Chief Secretary for Administration Mrs Anson Chan meets a passenger on the flight, Mr Kwok Kam-ming, who helped lead other passengers to safety and was one of the last ones to leave the plane.

End/Tuesday, September 14, 1999

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