Hong Kong International Airport has denied reports of a child falling into a gap between a train and platform last November. The Airport Authority stated that after conducting an investigation, no record of anyone falling into the gap was found. This comes after media outlets reported on an alleged incident involving a child slipping through the crevice while boarding an automated people mover at the airport.
The Airport Authority clarified that a staff member had reported passengers mentioning a shoe dropping into the gap, but there was no evidence of a person falling through. The alleged incident was first reported by Oriental Daily, which shared screenshots of CCTV footage showing a young girl boarding the train.
In response to inquiries, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) stated that they were not aware of the incidents until receiving anonymous emails in January and July. The EMSD has urged the Airport Authority to improve communication and has reopened an investigation based on new footage.
Lawmaker Michael Tien expressed concerns about the incidents not being reported and questioned the deletion of CCTV footage. He emphasized the importance of overreporting incidents to ensure safety. Another lawmaker, Gary Zhang, suggested that there may have been attempts to conceal the incident involving the child, pointing out that the footage was from the airport’s own CCTV system.
The Airport Authority has committed to reexamining the alleged incident and will submit a report to the EMSD within a month. HKFP has reached out to the EMSD for further comment on the matter.
Despite the denial of the incident by the Airport Authority, questions remain about transparency and safety protocols at the Hong Kong International Airport. As investigations continue, it is crucial to address any potential gaps in reporting mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety and well-being of passengers, especially children, should always be a top priority in transportation facilities.
