The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate of medical wards in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (January 15) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Kwun Tong last night (January 14) in which a 12-year-old boy died.

     At about 8.03pm last night, a bus driven by a 56-year-old man was travelling along Hip Wo Street towards Kwun Tong. When approaching Tung Yan Street, the bus reportedly knocked down the 12-year-old boy who was crossing the road.

     The boy was trapped under the bus and rescued by firemen. Sustaining serious head injuries, the boy was rushed to United Christian Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 8.45pm.

     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, Kowloon East is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 2305 7500.

The following is issued on behalf of the Air Transport Licensing Authority:
 
     The Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) has earlier on requested the Hong Kong Airlines Limited (HKA) to explain in writing their financial situation in accordance with the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (Cap. 448 Subsidiary Legislation A) (the Regulations).
 
     ATLA received the reply from HKA regarding their financial situation, and reviewed the relevant information at the meeting today (January 14).  ATLA requested HKA to provide further clarifications and to provide supplementary information.  ATLA will continue to assess the financial situation of HKA in accordance with the Regulations, and will keep in view the development and take follow-up action(s) as necessary.

     Police today (January 14) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Yau Ma Tei.

     Sin Kit-ying, aged 36, went missing after she left her residence on Lee Yip Street on January 12 night. Her family made a report to Police yesterday (January 13).
             
     She is about 1.6 metres tall, 80 kilograms in weight and of fat build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and short straight black hair. She was last seen wearing glasses, an orange color T-shirt, green pants, sneakers and a green shoulder bag.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8038 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.