{
  "id": 13983251,
  "title": "Garden Company apologises after crowd chaos mars student sandwich record bid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/garden-company-apologises-after-crowd-chaos-mars-student-sandwich",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T15:12:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3370637/garden-company-apologises-after-crowd-chaos-mars-student-sandwich-record-bid"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "One of Hong Kong's oldest bread and biscuit manufacturers, Garden Company, has apologized and vowed to reassess its crowd management protocols after a world-record attempt involving more than 700 students faced chaos. The incident unfolded on Sunday at SKH Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School in Wan Chai, where the company aimed to break the record for the \"largest sandwich-making lesson\" to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Over 700 primary school students participated, with an estimated 1,400 individuals, including parents, attending the event, leading to overcrowding at the venue. Social media users reported instances of people pushing through the doors, nearly causing a stampede, and criticized the organizers for inadequate crowd control. The Garden Company acknowledged the safety concerns, posting on social media that they are \"deeply sorry\" for the \"shortcomings in the organization\" of the event and are conducting a thorough review of their procedures. They expressed regret for the extended wait times at the event's conclusion and noted that videos showed paper towels scattered across the floor and many children waiting in the corridors amid chaotic scenes. Some attendees complained on social media that parents panicked and forcibly entered the venue, disregarding staff instructions, causing damage to the doors. Additionally, parents expressed dissatisfaction with unclear instructions, a venue too small with only one exit, and confusion about where to direct their children upon exiting.",
  "summary": "One of Hong Kong’s oldest makers of bread and biscuits, the Garden Company, has apologised and pledged to review its crowd-management procedures after a world-record attempt involving more than 700 students making sandwiches descended into chaos. The incident occurred on Sunday at SKH Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School in Wan Chai, when the company tried to set a record for the “largest…",
  "key_points": [
    "Garden Company apologizes for crowd chaos during student sandwich record bid.",
    "Over 700 students and 1,400 attendees faced overcrowding at Hong Kong event.",
    "Company vows to reassess crowd management protocols and procedures."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
        "title": "Garden Company apologises after crowd chaos mars student sandwich record bid",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/garden-company-apologises-after-crowd-chaos-mars-student-sandwich-13989712",
        "published": "2026-10-12T15:12:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}