Fat Duck Chefs Die in Fatal Hong Kong Car Crash, Friends Throughout Restaurant Community Mourn Tragic Loss

Ivan Aranto Herrera Jorge and Carl Magnus Lindgren, two senior U.K. chefs who worked at celebrity cook Heston Blumenthal's award-winning restaurant the Fat Duck in West Berkshire, died in a fatal and horrific car crash during a visit to Hong Kong on Monday (Nov. 19). The accident occurred when a bus traveling downhill smashed into two cars and then manically crossed lanes and crushed the chefs' taxi against another bus. 34-year-old Jorge, 30-year-old Lindgren, and the taxi driver were killed on impact - over an additional 50 people were also injured in the multi-vehicle wreck. Following news of the travesty, numerous friends and comrades throughout the food/restuarant industry and Fat Duck community offered their condolences on such a tragic and unexpected loss.

The two famous Fat Duck chefs were in Asia to cook a series of private meals at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Police reports confirm that the operator of the first bus was arrested for dangerous driving and released on a $645 bail. Security footage released from the New World First Bus company shows the driver fainting and losing control of the large vehicle for over 10 seconds (according to South China Morning Post).

Ninia Colls, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel communications director, released this public statement - "Both were uniquely talented, young chefs who were visiting the city on business and were senior members of Heston Blumenthal's culinary team. We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our hearts and prayers are with their families and loved ones."

Here are some other messages of condolences offered from friends and top chefs from around the world (many sent out through Twitter):

"My heartfelt wishes go out to the friends & family of The Fat Duck's chefs Herrera and Lindgren," Thomas Keller, The French Laundry

"We are truly sorry to hear the bad news. Our Thoughts are with Heston, the Fat Duck team and both families," Mugaritz restaurant in Spain (rated third best restaurant on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list).

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to The Fat Duck and their families," Homaro Cantu, Moto and iNG.

"My heart and my thoughts are with the families of the 2 young chefs from the Fat Duck & with Heston & the whole team at this tragic time," Raymond Blanc, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

"Few restaurants have brought me as much unexpected joy as The Fat Duck. My heart aches for their loss," Bloomberg food writer Ryan Sutton.