Singapore-based DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd. has apologized for the mistake that occurred last weekend during renovations at a local branch, and it offered a quick settlement of HK$150,000 (US$19,230; euro 15,615) to any victims.

Bank bosses said Wednesday that anyone who claims to have lost more can present an itemized list that will be considered on a case-by- case basis, but some customers want a better explanation before deciding how to proceed.

University political scientist James Sung told the South China Morning Post that he would reject the DBS offer.

"I would like to see the bank take care of our feelings first before we talk about compensation," Sung was quoted as saying. "After all the bank owes the victims, the public and its partners in the banking and insurance sector an explanation, how this terrible mistake could have happened."

DBS officials say they are investigating, but it was too soon to say whether any executives would be fired. The bank has blamed the fiasco on human error, not foul play.

Some customers were quoted as saying they would accept the bank's offer just to get the matter past them.

The Standard newspaper quoted a 65-year-old mainland man, identified by the surname Chan, as saying he did not "have the energy to go against it" so he will accept the bank's offer as compensation for lost gold coins, old bank notes and other items including academic certificates going back to primary school.

"Of course I'm not feeling good," said Chan, a retired teacher. "But if my valuables are lost, they are lost. What can I do?"

Others said they are talking to lawyers.

DBS spokeswoman Gloria Chiu told the Associated Press early Thursday she had no immediate comment on the customer response.

Workers have scrambled to recover cash, crucial documents and smashed jewelry from the scrap heap, and DBS executives told a news conference Wednesday they intend to start returning some items next week.

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