The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) instituted prosecution against the registered escalator engineer involved in the escalator incident at Langham Place in Mong Kok in March 2017. The engineer concerned was convicted in court today (February 28) of having contravened Sections 54(1) and (2) of the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap 618) and was fined $40,000 and sentenced to two months' imprisonment with 12 months' probation.
    
     The EMSD welcomed the verdict. Subsequent to the escalator incident, the EMSD took disciplinary action against the engineer by suspending his registration for six months. He did not lodge an application for renewal of registration upon the expiry of his registration and his registration then became invalidated. 
 
     The EMSD reminds all registered persons that escalators are indispensable in the daily commute of the public, and registered persons have important and non-delegable duties to ensure the safety of escalator users. The EMSD will continue to strictly enforce relevant legislation in ensuring safe and reliable escalator services for the public. 
 
     As for the other two defendants involved in the case, including a registered escalator worker and registered escalator contractor, both were convicted and were fined $6,000 and $320,000 by Court in December 2017 and March 2018 respectively. The EMSD is currently conducting disciplinary proceedings against the registered escalator contractor concerned.

Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2019
Issued at HKT 15:58

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