The Tree Management Office (TMO) of the Development Bureau and the Housing Department (HD) were saddened by the branch failure incident at Shun Lee Estate in Kwun Tong this morning (August 21) in which a female foreign domestic helper passed away. The TMO and the HD offered the deepest condolences to the deceased's family and her employer.
 
     Upon receipt of notification of the branch failure incident, staff of the TMO reached the scene immediately to understand the situation. The tree with branch failure is a 15-metre high Ficus elastica with a diameter of around one metre. The tree, aged around 40, is managed and maintained by the HD. The HD completed the tree inspection in June this year and on receiving the contractor's report, has arranged the contractor to conduct crown pruning and removal of dead branches by August 24. The HD's contractor started the pruning work this afternoon to reduce the risk of tree failure.
 
     The TMO and the HD have also checked the condition of nearby trees today and will undertake necessary risk mitigation and preventive measures in order to safeguard public safety.
 
     The HD will conduct detailed investigation into the cause of branch failure and submit a report to the TMO. The preliminary investigation results are expected to be available in two weeks.
 
     The Kwun Tong District Office has contacted the employer of the foreign domestic helper and will render appropriate assistance as necessary.

Ends/Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Issued at HKT 20:15

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