26th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) A two-year-old girl sustained injuries after a playground device, known as a “waist-twisting machine,” malfunctioned in Ho Sheung Heung, Sheung Shui. The incident occurred when the supporting pillar of the equipment unexpectedly broke, causing a heavy metal column to fall and strike the child. The girl was subsequently hospitalised for treatment.
The father, Mr Yim, expressed outrage over the safety of the playground facilities, noting that they had previously detected signs of wear and damage. He accused the management of negligence, questioning the thoroughness of inspections conducted by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), which reported that their last inspection of the park was on December 10, just a week prior to the incident.
Mechanical engineering experts have pointed out that the equipment showed significant corrosion, suggesting that the failure was due to lack of maintenance rather than an unstable foundation. They highlighted that the pillar should have been easily identifiable as a safety risk during routine checks.
Legislative councillor Lau Kwok-fan called for a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasising the need for regular and rigorous inspections of recreational facilities, particularly those frequented by children and the elderly. He urged the LCSD to provide more details on their inspection protocols, including whether they involved operational testing of the equipment.
Following the incident, the LCSD has cordoned off the equipment and initiated follow-up actions to address the issue, while extending condolences to the child’s family. The case raises significant concerns about the safety standards of public recreational facilities in Hong Kong.
