It is “too early” to tell who was responsible for the shocking accident during popular Hong Kong boy group Mirror’s concert, a government official has said, as an injured dancer is in serious condition after being hit by a giant falling screen.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung revealed on Friday that a preliminary investigation into the accident at the Hong Kong Coliseum on Thursday night found one of the two steel cables attached to the large video screen had broken. The authorities needed time to “go deep” into the cause of the accident, the minister said, adding it was premature to point the finger at any party at this moment.
“I think it may be too early to tell which part went wrong or who is responsible… we will strictly enforce the law. Those who need to take responsibility, we will definitely pursue them till the end,” Yeung said.
According to audience footage widely circulated online, a giant television screen hanging metres above the stage suddenly fell down and hit at least two dancers on the fourth night of Mirror’s 12-show concert series.
Internet video also appeared to show that the screen landed on a dancer’s body and head, before it tilted and hit another dancer.
One of the injured performers, surnamed Lee and identified as the boyfriend of celebrity “So Ching” Natalie So, is currently undergoing surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Hospital Authority told HKFP on Friday afternoon. So is a member of Cantopop girl group Collar, which belongs to the same management company as Mirror. The other injured dancer was discharged on Friday afternoon.
Yeung confirmed that some family members of the injured would like to return to Hong Kong from abroad to visit their loved ones. The minister said the authorities would “try to make arrangements” and fulfil the preferences of the family members.
“Of course we have anti-epidemic requirements, but at the same time we understand the family members were anxious. We will try our best to strike a balance between the two,” Yeung said.
The 12,500-seat arena in Hung Hom is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Asked if any government department would need to take responsibility for the accident, Yeung said the LCSD had an agreement with the venue hirer, who would be responsible for implementing safety measures.
They were required to find a professional and eligible engineer to certify that the stage setup was up to safety standards and could be used, Yeung said. The LCSD would only allow a show to proceed if the venue hirer could present such proof, he added.
The government also issued a work suspension notice to the concert organisers to stop concert staff from working underneath other hanging devices at the venue, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said on Friday. Concert organisers had to report back to the government on how to remove the devices safely, he said, while the authorities would “strictly enforce the law” – including prosecution – if someone is found to be responsible for the accident.
Sun added said those who felt discomfort or sadness after watching footage of the accident should talk to their family and friends, and reach out to counselling hotlines.
The Hong Kong Red Cross activated their “Shall We Talk” hotline, providing emotional support to witnesses. It is available on WhatsApp +852 5164 5040, or Telegram at @hkrcshallwetalk.
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