Second widow sues over 2016 thunderstorm asthma emergency
A second widow is suing Victoria's ambulance service and the national triple-zero line after her husband died during a freak thunderstorm asthma event.
Hoi-Sam Lau, 49, was one-of-10 people who died when the November 2016 storm hit Melbourne.
His widow, Ela Voong, is now launching legal action against Ambulance Victoria and the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority.
Hoi-Sam Lau (right) died during the 2016 thunderstorm asthma event. His widow Ela Voong has now launched legal action. Supplied
She alleges they failed to respond adequately to the disaster, specialist injury lawyer Sach Fernando with Maxiom Injury Lawyers said.
"There is a basis to say that their own processes weren't adequately followed," Mr Fernando said.
Ms Voong and her husband waited more than half-an-hour for an ambulance to arrive, he said.
"ESTA didn't follow its own policies when it came to escalating the call," Mr Fernando said.
Mr Lau's death left Ms Voong to raise three young children on her own.
She is the second widow to launch legal action over the storm.
Ann Peiris is seeking compensation following the death of her husband, 57-year-old electrical fitter Priyantha Peiris.
Ann Peiris' husband Priyantha Peiris (right) also died during the emergency. Supplied
Ms Peiris alleges Ambulance Victoria was negligent in not advising her how long medical help would take to arrive and her husband's death left her with a psychiatric injury.
Seven men and three women, aged between 18 and 57, died during or the thunderstorm asthma event.
A combination of high pollen levels, strong winds, hot temperatures, air moisture and a cold front triggered severe asthma attacks as well as an unprecedented surge in demand for ambulances across the city.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
