Director of Fire Services deeply saddened by death of Principal Fireman Leung Kwok-kei (with photo)
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     The Director of Fire Services, Mr Lai Man-hin, is deeply saddened by the death of Principal Fireman Mr Leung Kwok-kei, who passed away in Princess Margaret Hospital today (December 4).

     Mr Leung, who sustained serious head injuries in an explosion when attending a gas leakage incident in Shek Kip Mei Estate on November 22 and had been receiving medical treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital since then, passed away at 6.44pm today.

     "I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this brave officer. All our colleagues are highly saddened by the loss of Mr Leung. I have, on behalf of all our colleagues, offered the deepest condolences to Mr Leung's family," Mr Lai said.

     Mr Leung is survived by his wife and a 17-year-old daughter.

     "Our Welfare Officer is closely liaising with Mr Leung's family and will render our utmost assistance to help them through this sad and difficult time. The Fire Services Department (FSD) will set up a funeral committee to make arrangements for Mr Leung's funeral," Mr Lai said.

     Mr Leung, aged 49, joined the FSD in September 1985 as a Fireman and was promoted to Senior Fireman in March 2000, having served in various fire stations during the period. His last posting was in Mong Kok Fire Station, where he had served since his promotion to Principal Fireman in March 2011.

     Among the other eight fire personnel who were injured in the incident, four were discharged from hospitals while four in stable condition are receiving medical treatment at hospitals. Mr Lai also expressed sincere wishes for their speedy recovery.

Ends/Thursday, December 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:54

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