Narrow escape for Hong Kong platform worker left swinging in strong wind

Video clip shows gondola swinging in strong wind in Tin Shui Wai as worker grips onto railings and ropes in lashing rain

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The worker shouted for help as the gondola swung around in the wind. Photo: Threads /@jennytcl_art

Published: 2:42pm, 15 Mar 2025Updated: 7:16pm, 15 Mar 2025

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A construction worker had to be rescued from a violently swinging platform as strong gusts and heavy rain lashed the city on Saturday afternoon, with hail reported in a northern part of Hong Kong.

A video posted on social media shows the window gondola swaying violently in strong wind in Tin Shui Wai as the worker grips onto railings and ropes in lashing rain.

Police said they had received multiple reports from about 3.07pm that a male worker was shouting for help from a mid-air gondola near Tin Shui Estate in the northwestern New Territories. Firefighters were dispatched and brought the man, who was not injured, indoors.

Heavy rain hit Hong Kong on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Sun Yeung

The weather forecaster said violent gusts of about 100km/h to 110km/h were recorded at Cheung Chau and Lau Fau Shan at 3.15pm, adding hail was reported in Tai Po at 3.20pm. It had earlier warned that hail could affect the city.