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 balloon ride in Egypt organized by Kuoni Travel, 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 but did not determine
    whether it was liable or not.
- 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 but did not determine
    whether it was liable or not.
- 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 a written response but
    did not determine whether they were liable or not.
judgment_summary: >-
  The Coroner's Court investigated the deaths of nine Hong Kong citizens during a hot air balloon ride
  in Egypt, finding that multiple injuries and burns caused their deaths. Kuoni Travel was ordered to
  provide more training and set clear criteria for selecting service providers, though no liability determination
  was made. The court emphasized its role as fact-finder rather than determiner of civil liability.
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 Industry Council)
  reason: Government department involved in monitoring service providers, cited for recommendations.
- 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 involved in legal support during the investigation, cited for assistance.
