Hong Kong engineers say human error played part in Mirror concert tragedy, as officials place blame on show organiser
- Authorities say one of two metal cords connected to massive video screen snapped during Mirror’s performance on Thursday
- But engineering experts note cords should have been able to sustain weight of monitor even if one broke
Engineering experts have said human negligence contributed to an accident at a concert by superstar Canto-pop boy band Mirror, while officials have placed the main responsibility for ensuring safety during the show on its organiser.
Authorities on Friday said one of two metal cords connected to a massive video screen snapped during the group’s performance on Thursday night, which caused the monitor to crash onto the stage below and injure two dancers, one of them seriously.
But two experts told the Post that the cords should have still been able to sustain the weight of the screen even if one broke.
Video clips of the mishap posted on social media show more than a dozen performers on stage when one of a number of giant monitors comes loose from what appears to be suspension wires and slams onto the stage.
02:25
Mirror concert mishap caused by snapped cord, officials say, as fans react with shock
Louis Szeto Ka-sing, a former chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers’ mechanical, marine, naval architecture and chemical division, said the metal cords connected to monitors were required to bear an additional 25 per cent of the screen’s weight, adding that he suspected that the cord’s lock might have failed.
