Estate of Science Park Electrician Apprentice Files Damages Claim Against Five Companies
HK01 · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
A civil claim for damages has been filed at the High Court by the estate administrator of Chan Cheuk-kwan (陳卓鈞), a 38-year-old electrician apprentice who suffered a fatal electric shock at Hong Kong Science Park on September 10, 2023. The plaintiff, identified as Chan Hung-leuk (陳鴻略), acting in his capacity as estate administrator, is seeking compensation from five companies including the victim's employer, Mei Ming Engineering, and various project contractors. The claim cites negligence, breach of employment contract, and violations of statutory duties by the defendants . The civil case, numbered HCPI 173/2026, was filed on September 7, 2026, nearly three years after the tragic incident, and has been scheduled for a case management hearing on February 26, 2027 .
Key Points
- The fatal accident occurred in the motor control centre on the rooftop of Building 2E at Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin, New Territories, where Chan was working on solar panel connection work .
- The five defendants are: Mei Ming Engineering (operated by Lam Wai-kin 林偉健), A.Kourage Limited (去也有限公司), Hong Kong China Power (HK) Integrated Smart Energy Co. Ltd, China Power International Development Limited, and Skynet Engineering Company Limited .
- Four of the five defendants were prosecuted for failing to take measures to prevent electrical hazards, facing a total of 32 charges; Sky Net Engineering pleaded guilty while the other three were found guilty after trial .
- Mei Ming Engineering, the victim's employer, was not prosecuted, drawing criticism from the deceased's father who stated that the employer "was the one who truly killed my son" .
- The criminal sentencing for the four convicted companies is scheduled for September 17, 2026, while the civil claim seeks damages, interest, and legal costs though no specific amount was stated in the filing .
Why It Matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety in Hong Kong's construction and renewable energy sectors. The parallel criminal and civil proceedings underscore the gravity of the incident and may set precedents for employer liability in industrial accidents involving subcontracting arrangements . The father's criticism regarding the employer's lack of prosecution raises questions about Hong Kong's occupational safety enforcement mechanisms and whether current laws adequately hold employers accountable for fatal workplace accidents.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety in Hong Kong's construction and renewable energy sectors. The parallel criminal and civil proceedings underscore the gravity of the incident and may set precedents for employer liability in industrial accidents involving subcontracting arrangements . The father's criticism regarding the employer's lack of prosecution raises questions about Hong Kong's occupational safety enforcement mechanisms and whether current laws adequately hold employers accountable for fatal workplace accidents.