Woman, 61, dies after falling off steep slope while hiking in Hong Kong

A 61-year-old hiker died after she fell down a steep hill while trying to navigate a challenging route in Hong Kong’s eastern New Territories on Sunday.

Authorities received a report that the woman was missing in Ma On Shan Country Park at 1.20pm, and a search operation aided by a Government Flying Service helicopter was launched.

The woman was part of a group of about 20 hikers who had started out from Wu Kai Sha MTR station and were traversing a difficult trail commonly known as Nei Tin Ledge Path, which connects Ma On Shan and Ngau Ngak Shan.

According to a police source, the woman’s strength appeared to have weakened and she lost her grip on a rope helping hikers navigate the steep slope.

After searching the area for hours, firefighters located the unconscious woman in a tree 40 metres (131 feet) down the slope and transported her to a safe spot at 6.50pm. She was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan, where she was confirmed dead.

Nei Tin Ledge Path is regarded as having a high degree of difficulty and is known for its rugged and challenging terrain, with continuous ascents and descents.

Numerous sections require hikers to use both hands and feet to climb.