A 69-year-old scaffolding worker was injured when part of the scaffolding at a building undergoing exterior-wall renovation on Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po, collapsed on August 22. The incident was reported at about 3pm to 4pm at or near 105–107 Nam Cheong Street.
The worker, surnamed Yu, reportedly fell about five metres with the scaffolding and construction waste. He suffered head and back injuries, remained conscious when rescued and was taken by ambulance to Princess Margaret Hospital.
Reports described the collapsed structure as a lower or partial section of the exterior scaffolding. The affected area was reported to measure about 15 metres by 33 metres, although accounts differed on the precise extent of the collapse.
Nearby workers and residents helped move materials and free the injured man before emergency personnel treated him. Pedestrians near the scaffolding avoided the falling structure, and no pedestrian injuries were reported.
Workers and on-site observations suggested that construction waste had been stored on a light-duty platform before the collapse. About 50 bags were reportedly collected on the rooftop, with around 30 bags placed on the lower platform. The possibility that the load was excessive was an allegation or estimate, not an established cause.
Police classified the incident as an industrial accident involving an injured person. The Labour Department and Buildings Department inspected the site and began investigations into the collapse and possible breaches of safety or building regulations.
The Buildings Department reportedly found no obvious danger to the overall building structure or the scaffolding on the upper platform. The registered contractor arranged to remove the collapsed section. Investigators have yet to confirm the cause or determine whether enforcement action will be taken if regulatory breaches are found.