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In response to media enquiries about the traffic accident in Linhai, Zhejiang Province involving the Hong Kong SAR Government Disciplined Services Exchange Delegation today (October 28), a Security Bureau spokesperson gave the following reply:
The disciplined services exchange delegation, comprising about 110 members, left for Ningbo from Wenzhou this morning and encountered a traffic accident in Linhai around 9am. Initial information showed that one of the delegation coaches hit another delegation coach. Six disciplined services staff onboard the two concerned coaches, including four Immigration Department staff and two Fire Services Department staff, were injured. One of them did not need medical treatment while five others were sent to a hospital in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province for treatment.
Among the five persons sent to hospital, three of them with minor injuries have been discharged after treatment. The remaining two members sustained more serious injuries and suffered bone fractures. The Fire Services Department staff got leg bone fractures while the Immigration Department staff got chest bone fractures. They are in stable condition and are staying in hospital for treatment. Depending on doctors' professional clinical assessment and their family members' wishes, they will receive treatment locally or return to Hong Kong for treatment.
Family members of the injured staff have been informed of the accident and that departments concerned will give them full assistance. Arrangements have been made for family members to visit the injured staff.
The local authorities will investigate the cause of the accident. The delegation will fully assist in the investigation where necessary.
A small number of the delegation members will stay in Taizhou to look after the injured. About 100 members will continue with the visit.
Hong Kong Disciplined Services have exchange arrangements with their Mainland counterparts from time to time to understand the development of the Mainland and promote the two jurisdictions' cooperation and exchanges in law and order matters. The Hong Kong SAR Government Disciplined Services Exchange Delegation left Hong Kong on October 24 and had visited Beijing and Wenzhou. Led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Lee Ka-chiu, the delegation will continue its itinerary before returning to Hong Kong on October 30.
The delegation comprises about 110 staff from five disciplined services departments, including the Hong Kong Police Force, Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Department, Correctional Services Department, and Fire Services Department. Each department nominated about 20 staff to join the delegation.
Ends/Friday, October 28, 2011
Issued at HKT 21:25
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