Enterprise & Industry

Domestic helper held over death of baby found in rubbish bin at Hong Kong plaza

A cleaner discovered the infant with its umbilical cord still attached in a women's restroom cubicle.

Deep Dive

Hong Kong authorities have taken a 34-year-old Indonesian domestic helper into custody following the tragic discovery of a deceased newborn. The incident unfolded at Lee Theatre Plaza on Percival Street in Causeway Bay, where a cleaner found the infant boy in a rubbish bin inside a women's restroom at The Starview Chinese restaurant at 2:10 pm on Monday, March 24th. Paramedics transported the unconscious baby to Ruttonjee Hospital, but he was pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts. Police have classified the case as infanticide.

Wan Chai district crime squad officers arrested the woman in the Eastern district on Thursday, March 27th. She is being held on suspicion of concealing a child's birth and remains in custody for questioning. No identification was found with the infant at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, led by the specialized crime squad, as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the baby's death and abandonment in the public restroom.

Key Points
  • A 34-year-old Indonesian domestic helper was arrested on suspicion of concealing a birth.
  • The newborn was found by a cleaner in a restaurant restroom bin with its umbilical cord attached.
  • The infant was pronounced dead at Ruttonjee Hospital despite emergency medical efforts.

Why It Matters

The case highlights severe criminal allegations and tragic outcomes linked to concealed pregnancies and infant abandonment.