An investigation was under way Thursday into how a 100-year-old tree that survived a typhoon in Hong Kong collapsed and killed a 19-year-old woman five days later.
University student Chong Chung-yin was walking with two cousins in the city's Stanley district on Wednesday when the 23-metre-high tree split in two and collapsed.
Chong died of head injuries caused by the falling tree. Her two female cousins, aged 11 and 12, escaped with only cuts and bruises.
Known as a coral tree, it was one of a number of old trees preserved in the middle of a shopping precinct in a busy, built-up part of the popular tourist district.
Officials said the tree was inspected and found to be undamaged after Typhoon Nuri scored a direct hit on Hong Kong last Friday, damaging 5,000 trees across the city of
6.9 million.
Around 400 preserved old trees across Hong Kong will now be inspected to make sure they are safe after the typhoon, the territory's Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced.
One swimmer died and 49 other people were injured when Typhoon Nuri raged through Hong Kong, the most severe storm in the high-rise former British colony in nine years.
Shares fell 2.1 per cent Friday on the Seoul stock exchange on general recession fears. South Korea's won dropped against the dollar.
When the Spirit rover landed on Mars five years ago, no one expected it or its sister rover Opportunity to make it to their first birthdays, let alone their fifth.
Amelie Mauresmo fell victim to a leg injury after less than half an hour on court Friday to hand over a 4-0 victory which put French compatriot Marion Bartoli into the final of the Brisbane International.
Mumbai-based movie Slumdog Millionaire won five prizes Thursday night at the Critics Choice Awards, cementing its position as a surprise favourite just as the Oscar season moves into high gear.
After the Taipei Zoo received two giant pandas from China, another Taiwan zoo said Friday it is seeking to receive a pair of pandas from China.