Editor’s Note
This article reports on two separate fatal hiking accidents in Hong Kong. We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased. The incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with hiking, especially on challenging trails. We urge all outdoor enthusiasts to prioritize safety, prepare adequately, and exercise extreme caution.
On September 25, fatal hiking accidents occurred at both the Sky Ladder (Mo Tin Nga) on Lantau Island and Lion Rock in Hong Kong, resulting in the deaths of a 65-year-old man and a 36-year-old man from falls. Fu Heng Jewelry Co., Ltd. confirmed to reporters that the man involved in the accident on Lantau Island that day was the company’s chairman, Lo Chung-fai, and the company was “deeply saddened” by the incident.
Lo Chung-fai was known as the “Jewelry King” in Hong Kong. According to information on Fu Heng Jewelry’s official website, in addition to serving as the company’s chairman, Lo also held positions as Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Diamond Federation and Chairman of the Hong Kong Jewelry & Jade Manufacturers Association. He had also been appointed as a member of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Jewelry Advisory and Exhibition Organizing Committee.
Lo Chung-fai’s father, Lo Ka-chung, was a renowned Hong Kong philanthropist and jewelry merchant. He co-founded Fu Heng Jewelry Co., Ltd. with his brother Lo Ka-chou in 1944. After retiring in 2014, the company was taken over by the second generation of the family, Lo Chung-fai.
According to online sources, the Sky Ladder (Mo Tin Nga) where Lo Chung-fai had the accident is a midway point on the popular hiking route through the Maitreya Stone Stream (Milok Sek Sin). It attracts many hikers due to several waterfalls flowing down the cliff.
The difficulty level of the Sky Ladder is second only to Lion Rock, approaching an international grade of 5. The cliff face is over 100 meters high and nearly vertical at 90 degrees, making it extremely challenging to climb. Hikers typically require ropes to ascend; even experienced climbers find it difficult to free-climb. The stone stream is slippery, and the mountain path is rugged, requiring significant physical exertion. It is not a route suitable for beginners and is considered highly difficult.
Accidents have occurred there in the past. In April 2006, two young men attempted to free-climb the Sky Ladder without proper mountaineering equipment. One lost his footing and fell; the other tried to rescue him but failed, and both fell, sustaining serious injuries. Although they did not fall into a deep valley, one of the young men later died from his injuries. In September 2003, a university staff member fell about 50 feet into the Maitreya Stone Stream while trying to rescue a fellow hiker who had slipped, suffering fatal head injuries.
In March 2018, a 53-year-old man surnamed Cheung suffered a serious head injury and fell into a coma after a suspected fall while hiking; his condition was critical after being hospitalized. In September of the same year, a man in his 30s died after slipping and falling from the cliff while hiking there during a No. 3 typhoon signal warning.
Additionally, the hiking route covering Lion Rock and Amah Rock is about 10 kilometers long. The sections near the Lion’s Head and Lion’s Neck have long been rated as Grade 5 difficulty by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). The path is rugged and steep, with the ascent to the Lion’s Head and Neck consisting entirely of cliffs and precipices over 100 meters high, where the rock is heavily weathered. The presence of loose sand and gravel on the path also increases the risk of accidents.
This statement was made by a safety expert from a scenic area.