Off-Duty Hong Kong Ambulanceman Dies in Kowloon Peak Fall

An off-duty senior ambulanceman died after falling from a cliff while abseiling at Kowloon Peak in Wong Tai Sin, Hong Kong, the Fire Services Department said. The department received a report at 2:33pm on Friday that a man had fallen from the peak. Mountain and high-angle rescue teams were mobilised, while a government helicopter and drone were used in the search.

Rescuers found an unconscious man at a nearby cliff. A second man, who had minor injuries, was located on a nearby trail. Both were airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan.

The unconscious man was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Fire Services Department confirmed that both men were off-duty senior ambulancemen. A department spokesman expressed sadness over the death of its member and extended condolences to the man’s family.

The department also said it would provide all possible assistance. The source did not provide the identity of the deceased, details of the injuries sustained by the second man or information about the circumstances that led to the fall. It also did not indicate whether any investigation had been opened.

The rescue operation involved specialist personnel because the incident occurred in a cliff and abseiling environment. The deployment of mountain and high-angle teams, a helicopter and a drone continued until the two men were located. The department’s statement focused on the death of its member and the support being offered to his family.

No further information was given about the men’s experience, equipment or the precise section of Kowloon Peak where the incident occurred.