In response to the open letter sent to members of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) yesterday (November 8) by the President of the HKUST, Professor Shyy Wei, Police have the following responses:

     Police expressed profound sadness over the death of a 22-year-old man who fell down in a carpark in Tseung Kwan O on November 4 and subsequently passed away after treatment in a hospital. Police offered the deepest condolences to his family and friends.

     The case is under investigation by Regional Crime Unit of Kowloon East. In response to the open letter demanding a thorough and independent investigation into the case, Police wish to point out that, according to the Coroners Ordinance, the coroner has the right to request Police to submit a death investigation report and to order an inquest into the death of a person. Police pledge that Police will investigate into the case in depth. Police also recommend a death inquest and will submit a report to the coroner. If an inquest is to be held, all investigation data will be disclosed in open court.

     Regarding the demand for clarifications on the cause of the delay from Police and relevant departments, Police held a press briefing jointly with the Fire Services Department (FSD) yesterday. In response to the accusations that Police obstructed ambulances and caused delay in the rescue of the fallen man, Police stress that the rumours are false and groundless. The FSD also gave detailed clarifications that there was no interaction between the ambulance and police officers at the scene during the ambulance call. The ambulance encountered obstruction from buses and private cars en route but not from police vehicles.

     Police attach great importance to the case and appeal to witnesses or drivers parking their vehicles at the aforesaid location to provide information to Police in pursuit of the truth.
     

Ends/Saturday, November 9, 2019
Issued at HKT 23:48

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