BEIJING, July 24 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's ageing ambulances are to receive emergency checkups after a series of breakdowns, with half the 250-strong fleet expected to be replaced, a newspaper said on Thursday.

The move comes after drivers failed to start an ambulance in a crowded northern suburb on Wednesday in answer to an emergency call, the South China Morning Post said.

Four such breakdowns in four days contributed to the death of a 60-year-old kidney patient and delayed the delivery to hospital of accident victims and an old woman with breathing difficulties, the South China Morning Post said.

"The Fire Services Department will replace half its 250-strong fleet, with 35 new vehicles arriving in a few months," the newspaper said. (Reporting by Nick Macfie; Editing by David Fox)

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