Investigators in Hong Kong initiate inquiry following the demise of a road construction employee
The authorities in Hong Kong are currently investigating the death of a 63-year-old worker employed by a Highways Department contractor. The unfortunate incident took place at a footbridge near the Ma Chai Hang Recreation Ground in Wong Tai Sin, on August 9, 2025[1][5].
According to reports, the man collapsed around 10am on Saturday while carrying out cleaning work. He was immediately rushed to Caritas Medical Centre in Sham Shui Po, but was later certified dead[1]. It is believed that he was unconscious when he arrived at the medical center.
The Highways Department has confirmed that the contractor had arranged appropriate rest periods for workers, and that cool drinking water was provided[1]. The worker's normal working hours were between 8.30am and 5pm from Monday to Saturday, with overtime of about two to three hours required depending on actual work needs.
The police's initial investigation suggests that the man collapsed while working, but the exact cause of death will be determined by an autopsy. This incident follows other fatal industrial accidents in Hong Kong's public works sector in recent weeks, prompting regulatory actions and safety audits on contractors involved[2].
The investigation is ongoing, with the autopsy results awaited to clarify the exact cause of death. The authorities are examining workplace conditions as part of the probe[1][5].
[1] South China Morning Post. (2025, August 10). Worker dies at Highways Department construction site in Wong Tai Sin. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3163934/worker-dies-highways-department-construction-site-wong-tai-sin
[2] South China Morning Post. (2025, July 31). Hong Kong's public works sector hit by fatal accidents, prompting regulatory action. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3163081/hong-kongs-public-works-sector-hit-fatal-accidents-prompting
[3] Caritas Medical Centre. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.caritas.org.hk/en/about-us/
[4] Ma Chai Hang Recreation Ground. (n.d.). Parks and Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.wongtaisin.gov.hk/en/parks-and-gardens/item/11788.html
[5] Wong Tai Sin District Office. (n.d.). Contact Us. Retrieved from https://www.wongtaisin.gov.hk/en/contact-us/
- Despite the company providing appropriate rest periods and cool drinking water, the cause of the worker's death remains unclear, raising concerns about workplace-wellness in the public works sector.
- In light of the ongoing investigation and the recent spate of fatal accidents, it would be beneficial for the authorities to assess the implementation of health-and-wellness practices across all contractors in the public works sector.
