The second batch of the 20 member search and rescue (S&R) team from the Hong Kong SAR Government arrived at Hanwang in Mianzhu this morning (May 16) and joined the search and rescue work.

"The team has so far recovered eight bodies from the rubble of the collapsed office building," said Tam Tai-keung, Senior Divisional Officer of the Fire Services Department, leader of the Hong Kong S&R team.

"It is believed that 16 persons are still trapped inside the collapsed building. Efforts to extricate the victims are still continuing," he said.

"However, an aftershock at 5.2 magnitude occurred at about 11.30am this morning, forcing the search and rescue work to stop," Mr Tam said.

He said that life detectors and masonry cutting machines were used in the search and rescue work.

All members are required to undergo sterilisation before leaving the affected area, he added.

Friday, May 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:06

The HKSAR search and rescue team removing a body from the rubble.