'Concert Organisers Violated Venue Leasing Terms'

A government probe into the MIRROR concert accident has concluded that organisers had violated leasing terms for hiring the Hong Kong Coliseum.

The fall of the giant LED screen at the concert on July 28 injured two dancers, including Mo Li, who remains in hospital due to a spinal injury.

Announcing the highlights of the months-long probe on Friday, culture minister Kevin Yeung said it's clear that the venue hirer had violated terms by allegedly providing inaccurate information about the weight of the fallen screen, as well as failing to ensure its safety and stability.

He stressed the government will take matters seriously and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.

Authorities made several recommendations, including requiring event organisers to hire qualified professionals to verify the weight of the installations, as well as ensuring mobile devices pass loading tests.

They also proposed bringing in third party auditors to conduct additional inspections.

"We will study the feasibility of having an independent audit on a selective basis. We're creating an extra checking to ensure all the works are fully complied with," Yeung said, adding that officials will further discuss this with the trade before implementation.

Meanwhile, labour minister Chris Sun said the dancers injured in the case are employees of an unnamed dancing company.

He alleged that the firm has failed to insure staff and report the injuries in a timely manner, adding that the Labour Department will decide whether to press ahead with prosecution after consulting the Department of Justice.

Organisers of the MIRROR concert, MakerVille and Music Nation, said they will continue to cooperate with the police and the government, and seek legal advice on the matter.

They added that they fully support the government's recommendations on ways to improve industry standards.

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