The Tree Management Office (TMO) of Development Bureau and the Lands Department (LandsD) were saddened by the fatal branch failure incident at Lam Tsuen San Tsuen in Tai Po this morning (October 11) in which a 29-year-old man passed away and another 41-year-old man injured. The TMO and LandsD offered the deepest condolences to the deceased's family, and also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Investigation of the incident is underway. The Social Welfare Department is now trying to contact the victims' families to render any necessary assistance.
The tree with branch failure is a 15-metre high Chinese Banyan tree (Ficus microcarpa) with a diameter of 200 centimetres at breast height located on unleased and unallocated government land.
Upon receipt of notification of today's incident, staff of the TMO and LandsD reached the scene immediately and took necessary follow up action. LandsD will remove the remaining part of the tree to clear any potential danger. The work will be completed as soon as possible.
The Administration will promptly inspect all trees on government land in the vicinity. The TMO will remind all relevant government departments to step up their inspections of the trees under their management, especially for those sites with high pedestrian or traffic flows and trees of old ages and/or large sizes.
Ends/Thursday, October 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:26
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