The family of a woman fatally crushed by a collapsing wall at a demolition site in Yuen Long, Hong Kong, has halted public donations, citing an overwhelming outpouring of financial support from the community. Lan Xiu-zhen, a casual laborer working to support her family, died on May 5 when a wall at a village house under demolition on Shan Pui Road collapsed, leaving behind her husband, a fellow construction worker, and three dependent school-aged children.
The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims (ARNAV) announced the decision on behalf of the family on Tuesday, May 12, just over a week after the tragic incident. Civic generosity quickly followed the accident, aiming to provide immediate financial relief to the grieving family.
Community Solidarity Provides Courage and Confidence
In a message relayed through ARNAV’s social media channels, the bereaved family expressed profound gratitude for the aid received. They acknowledged that the support extended far beyond financial assistance, emphasizing that the communal kindness provided crucial emotional strength.
“Your support has not only provided economic help but, more importantly, has given us the courage and confidence to move forward,” the family stated in their message, adding that the swift action of donors had offered genuine warmth during their most difficult time.
Lan Xiu-zhen was reportedly working as a general laborer (“chai kung”) to supplement the household income, a necessity given her husband also worked on construction sites. The sudden loss of their mother deeply impacted the children, with reports describing agonizing scenes during roadside rituals held for the deceased.
Utilizing Funds and Pledging Future Reciprocity
The family affirmed their dedication to responsibly managing the donated funds, ensuring that every contribution is utilized judiciously. Furthermore, they outlined a longer-term commitment to pay the generosity forward once their personal situation stabilizes.
“We will make good use of every act of goodwill,” the family stated. “In the future, when circumstances improve, we will certainly pass this warmth on, helping other families in need, just as you have helped us.”
ARNAV, which had been coordinating some of the aid efforts, confirmed the decision to pause the donation drive. The move is highly unusual in cases of sudden industrial fatality, reflecting the substantial, immediate public response to the family’s plight. The initial emergency aid had been crucial for covering immediate costs and stabilizing the family’s economic distress.
Calls for Enhanced Site Safety
While the community rallied to support the grieving family, the incident has renewed scrutiny on safety standards at local demolition sites, particularly involving older village houses. Investigators are examining site practices and adherence to safety protocols that led to the unsecured wall collapse.
Industrial accidents remain a persistent concern in Hong Kong’s construction sector. ARNAV and other labor rights groups continue to advocate for stricter enforcement and heavier penalties for contractors who fail to maintain safe working environments. The tragic death of Lan Xiu-zhen serves as a grim reminder of the high human cost of workplace hazards.
The family now focuses on adjusting to life without their matriarch and seeking long-term support, including potential industrial injury compensation, which is often a lengthy and complex legal process. The family’s decision to halt donations aims to allow public charity resources to be redirected toward other individuals and families facing urgent needs.
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