Garden Company Issues Apology After Crowd Chaos Disrupts Student Sandwich Record Attempt
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Garden Company, a century-old Hong Kong bakery and biscuit maker, apologized on Monday after a world-record sandwich-making event devolved into crowd chaos at SKH Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School in Wan Chai. The event, intended to celebrate the company's approaching 100th anniversary, drew more than 700 primary school pupils and an estimated 1,400 attendees including parents, overwhelming the venue's capacity. Online videos captured scenes of disorder with paper towels scattered across the hall floor and children crowded in corridors as the event concluded .
Key Points
- The event took place on Sunday at SKH Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School in Wan Chai, with over 700 primary school students participating in the record attempt
- Attendance estimates reached at least 1,400 people when including parents and other attendees, far exceeding venue capacity
- Social media users on Threads reported parents forcing their way through doors as the event ended, with some claiming the situation nearly triggered a stampede
- The Garden Company issued an apology on Monday night, acknowledging extended wait times and promising a thorough review of crowd-management procedures
- The company confirmed no stampede or fighting occurred and that no one was injured during the incident
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the growing scrutiny of large-scale public events in Hong Kong following past tragedies, with organizers facing heightened responsibility for crowd safety. The Garden Company's swift apology and commitment to review procedures signal a broader reckoning for corporations using promotional stunts tied to major milestones. For parents and educators, the near-miss chaos underscores the need for stricter event permitting and crowd-control protocols at school venues .
The incident highlights the growing scrutiny of large-scale public events in Hong Kong following past tragedies, with organizers facing heightened responsibility for crowd safety. The Garden Company's swift apology and commitment to review procedures signal a broader reckoning for corporations using promotional stunts tied to major milestones. For parents and educators, the near-miss chaos underscores the need for stricter event permitting and crowd-control protocols at school venues .