Hong Kong Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho expressed his condolences over the death of an elderly woman who collapsed at a rice distribution event in Tsim Sha Tsui on Friday.

A 82-year-old woman slipped down while waiting for the free rice, she was rushed to a hospital nearby by the police and passed away in the hospital on Friday.

The rice distribution, which attracted 6,000 people, mostly aged people, started in the afternoon and ended in the evening. Many of old people lined their queues since at small hours Friday.

Ho has called a panel to review free rice distribution, and intends to meet with 60 organizing parties to discuss long-term arrangements for the events.

He called for the enhancing of safety measures which include banning of free rice distribution and modernizing distribution methods while maintaining the social custom behind it.

Free rice distribution during the Hungry Ghost Festival is a tradition, but organizers must ensure public safety, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2005)