First group of Egypt tour members to return to HK today
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    The first group of nine members of a Hong Kong tour group involved in a traffic accident in Hurghada, Egypt together with six accompanying family members will return from Cairo to Hong Kong today (February 3).

     One member from the tour group in serious but stable condition is hospitalized in Cairo. One other member previously hospitalized in Cairo is being transferred to Paris. Two members are hospitalized in Hurghada. Earlier, three persons have been transferred to Paris and another three members scheduled to be transferred to London for further treatment were diverted to Zurich due to increment weather. The remaining 11 have been treated and discharged.

     A total of 14 members from the tour group died in the traffic accident that occurred on January 31.

     "Four Immigration Officers and two medical staff are continuing their work in Cairo and Hurghada to offer necessary assistance to the affected Hong Kong residents and their family members," a Government spokesman said.

     "We will work closely with our embassy in Egypt, the Travel Industry Council and the travel agent concerned to facilitate early return of the residents to Hong Kong and to fly the corpses back," the spokesman said.

     So far, the Immigration Department's hotline has received 10 requests for assistance in relation to the accident. Hong Kong people who need help may contact the department's 24-hour hotline (852) 1868. The Social Welfare Department's 24-hour dedicated hotline (6293 0120) also received eight calls in relation to the accident.

Ends/Friday, February 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 22:02

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