A former Hong Kong construction project manager has been remanded in custody pending his trial over the deaths of three workers killed in a rare tower crane collapse two years ago.
Kan Ho-kai, 35, was not required to make a plea for the three counts of manslaughter during his first appearance at Kwun Tong Court on Thursday, with prosecutors seeking an adjournment to prepare the necessary paperwork for the case’s transfer to the High Court.
Acting Principal Magistrate Winnie Lau Yee-wan scheduled the next hearing for July 30 before dismissing a bail application by the defence.
Kan, who is now jobless, worked as a project manager at the Aggressive Construction Company at the time of the accident, according to police.
The company was in charge of the Housing Society’s building site on Anderson Road in Sau Mau Ping, where a 65-tonne tower crane collapsed onto containers being used as temporary offices on September 7, 2022, killing three workers and injuring six others.
Hong Kong crane collapse: labour chief vows to look into possible legal breaches
Hong Kong crane collapse: labour chief vows to look into possible legal breaches
A charge sheet available for press inspection did not provide the legal basis for the allegation apart from saying Kan had unlawfully killed the three deceased: Hsu Man-ming, Poon Ho-yuk and Chui Hok-pui.
A 72-year-old outsourced registered structural engineer is also wanted by police for his alleged role in the incident.
Kan was previously charged in separate proceedings for an alleged breach of the Buildings Ordinance.
He will appear at Kwun Tong Court again on July 30 for allegedly conducting building workers in a manner that resulted in injury to individuals or damage to property.
