The resident praised officers of the team for their speedy response and professionalism in handling the incident. She wrote: "They spared no effort in updating us on the latest situation of the incident from door to door, answering our queries and immediately acting on our requests."

The resident also complimented the officers for taking care of residents' needs, setting up a temporary shelter, and providing food and accommodation as well as crisis counselling services, etc. She said the performance of the inter-departmental team exemplified the officers' high professional standard. "All Hong Kong people should be proud of having civil servants with such a high quality."

During an interview with OffBeat, Sau Mau Ping District Operations Officer Wong Kin-yee, who was heavily involved in the rescue operation, said the Force brought forth professionalism in playing different roles, including assisting FSD in handling the scene, diverting traffic, disseminating information, and co-ordinating and co-operating with other government departments and public utility companies.

DOO Wong said the Force's operation team comprised colleagues from Divisional Uniform Branch, Regional and District Traffic Formations, Police Tactical Unit and Regional Crime Formation. He said: "The efforts by all the officers concerned, as well as the co-operation by all the departments involved, contributed to the effective execution of the rescue operation. One of the factors contributing to the overall success was the ability to communicate with the residents and to enlist their support so that relief work could be conducted effectively.

"Throughout the operation, Police assisted HAD and District Councillors in passing information to the affected residents and shop owners on the safety of their building, as well as that in the vicinity. As utility systems were seriously damaged in the blast, Police also assisted HAD in arranging temporary fresh water supply and temporary accommodation to the residents, so as to minimise the impact on their daily life."

DOO Wong also pointed out that the operation once again demonstrated the professional capabilities of the Force and government departments in handling crises.