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The Government has inspected 517 "Kone" lifts of similar design to the lift involved in the incident in Fu Shin Estate in Tai Po on October 25, and all of them are found to be safe.
Among the 517 "Kone" lifts, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) completed inspection of 329 installed in private buildings and 44 in Government buildings. The remaining 144 in public housing estates were inspected by the Housing Department. Following the incident, the Government pledged to inspect the 500-odd Kone lifts in Hong Kong to ensure public safety.
EMSD's investigation into the cause of the lift incident at Shin Nga House, Fu Shin Estate, is under way and the result is expected to be announced in early December.
The Government is very concerned about the recent lift incidents and has announced a series of immediate measures to enhance the safety of lifts and escalators in Hong Kong. The EMSD has also stepped up random inspections and spot checks of lifts in private buildings.
Information about lift safety is available from the EMSD's hotline 2333 3762.
Ends/Monday, November 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:34
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