Nine of the less severely injured land in HK, and the government offers financial help and counselling
The first nine of the Hong Kong survivors of the Egyptian bus crash returned yesterday, with the government pledging to provide any assistance they need, including psychological counselling, to cope with the tragedy.
Ambulances and social workers met the injured and six accompanying relatives on the airport tarmac when their flight touched down at about 5pm. The survivors were taken directly to Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth hospitals for treatment.
The Home Affairs director, Pamela Tan Kam Mei-wah, was also there and said the government would offer financial and emotional support.
'We will co-ordinate all the government departments to help them,' she said. 'We hope all the families affected can overcome their difficulties as quickly as possible and adjust to their new lives.
'Apart from the physical injuries needing to be treated, there are also emotional and psychological aspects that need help, so assistance will be provided by professional social workers and counsellors from the Social Welfare Department.'
The Education and Manpower Bureau has contacted schools with pupils involved in the accident and its psychologists will offer assistance.
