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Seven more members of a Hong Kong tour group involved in a traffic accident in Egypt and four accompanying relatives returned to Hong Kong today (February 5).
They were greeted on arrival at the airport by representatives from the Home Affairs Department and Social Welfare Department. Arrangements were made to transfer them speedily to local hospitals for further observation and treatment.
The first group of nine tour members has already returned to Hong Kong yesterday (February 4).
There are six and three tour members being hospitalized in Paris and Zurich respectively.
The remaining five members who have been treated and discharged will return to Hong Kong shortly.
Fourteen tour members died in the traffic accident in Hurghada on January 31.
"All relevant Government departments are making every effort to help the injured and the bereaved," a Government spokesman said.
"We have kept in touch with our embassies in Paris and Zurich to seek their assistance for Hong Kong residents hospitalized there. We will continue to work closely with our embassy in Egypt, the Travel Industry Council and the travel agent concerned to facilitate early return of the residents to Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
The Immigration Department's hotline has received 16 requests for assistance in relation to the accident so far. Hong Kong people who need help may contact the department's 24-hour hotline (852) 1868. The Social Welfare Department's 24-hour dedicated hotline (6293 0120) also received 16 requests or enquiries in relation to the accident.
Ends/Sunday, February 5, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:45
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