plaintiff: []
defendant: []
jurisdiction_code: HKCrC
jurisdiction_name: Coroner's Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
case_location:
- 香港特別行政區
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
case_reason: >-
  Plaintiffs, relatives of deceased Hong Kong citizens, seek an inquiry into the cause and circumstances
  of their loved ones' deaths during a hot air ballooning activity in Egypt organized by Kuoni, and
case_object:
- cause of death
- circumstances connected with death
judgment_result:
- charge: Kuoni to provide more training and information to front desk staff, including receptionists
    and tour escorts (liability issue)
  result: No specific outcome stated. The court ordered Kuoni to take the action.
- charge: Kuoni to set out clear criteria for selecting destination management companies and local service
    providers with first hand information and to closely monitor the service provided by destination management
    companies and local service providers (liability issue)
  result: No specific outcome stated. The court ordered Kuoni to take the action.
- charge: Both TIC and Kuoni need to reply the Coroner in writing in three months’ time as to 1) whether
    the above recommendations are accepted and if yes 2) what steps have been taken to implement the recommendations
    and 3) reasons if the recommendations are not accepted (liability issue)
  result: No specific outcome stated. The court ordered TIC and Kuoni to provide written responses.
judgment_summary: >-
  The Coroner's Court investigated the deaths of nine Hong Kong citizens during a hot air ballooning trip
  in Egypt, focusing on the cause and circumstances of their deaths. Kuoni was ordered to provide more
  training and set clear criteria for selecting local service providers. The court found that multiple
  injuries and burns caused the fatalities due to a fuel hose leak leading to a fire during landing. Kuoni
  must implement recommendations from the court.
involved_entities:
- entity_name: June Cheung, Coroner
  reason: Presiding judge in this case, responsible for fact-finding and adjudication.
- entity_name: Kuoni
  reason: Company involved in the tour booking and management of the incident.
- entity_name: TIC (Tourism Institute of China)
  reason: Government department involved in monitoring and regulating travel agencies, mentioned for their
    role in setting criteria for destination management companies.
- entity_name: Hong Kong police
  reason: Government department involved in the investigation of the incident.
- entity_name: Department of Justice (SPP - Solicitor General)
  reason: Government department represented by Mr. IP, SPP during the inquest.
