When a Hong Kong Lunar New Year parade turned deadly in 1997 as a driver ploughed float into the crowd, killing a tourist
- In February 1997, a parade float whose driver was incapacitated by carbon monoxide veered off course in Tsim Sha Tsui, injuring 31 and killing a British tourist
- Hong Kong authorities ensured floats at the following year’s Lunar New Year parade had standby drivers and better ventilation
“Traffic police will today begin a detailed inquiry into how a float in a Lunar New Year parade careered into a Tsim Sha Tsui crowd, killing a tourist and injuring 31 people,” reported the South China Morning Post on February 9, 1997.
“The Hong Kong Tourist Association, which organised Friday’s parade [February 7, 1997] to provide holiday entertainment for foreign visitors, and float sponsors the Better Hong Kong Foundation, held meetings yesterday to see how they could assist the inquiry.
“Fred and Gertrude Stevens, both in their 70s, said they were sad not to have received any direct contact from the territory since their daughter Brenda was killed on Friday.
“The couple learned of her death from police in their hometown of Brompton in North Yorkshire, England. Ms Stevens, 45, died from head injuries when a float [ …] ploughed into spectators at the parade.
“Her mother Gertrude, 71, said she had yet to hear from the organisers of the event. ‘We haven’t heard a thing from Hong Kong, nothing at all,’ Mrs Stevens said. ‘I think they could at least have sent us a message or something with condolences.’
“Kent Hayden-Sadler, deputy executive director of the association, said British police should have passed on a verbal message of condolence and an offer of help. He asked for the family’s telephone number.
“Mrs Stevens said she and her husband Fred, 77, were unable to face a trip to collect the body of their daughter, who worked as a clerk at the police station in Brompton. ‘We don’t want to come to Hong Kong – she’s coming home,’ Mrs Stevens said.
“‘Brenda was determined to go to Hong Kong before it went back to China. She roamed the world and absolutely loved taking photographs. I suppose that is what she was doing when she died.’”
“Transport Department Assistant Commissioner Ching Kam-cheong said the parade would have new guidelines after an inquiry into the accident. ‘A second driver has to sit inside the driver’s cabin. He can take over the driving at any time if necessary’, he said. There will also be a parade supervisor to give directions to drivers.
“Mr Ching said all floats would have ‘forced fresh air ventilation’ and it would be ensured that exhaust fumes went into the open air.
“The parade will feature 14 floats, exploring the theme ‘East Meets West’, and about 34 performing groups, including traditional and dragon dancers, martial arts demonstrations, and a Mexican mariachi band.”
