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Morning Bus Incident Snarls Traffic on New Clear Water Bay Road

A Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) veered off course and mounted the central reservation along New Clear Water Bay Road on Thursday morning, causing significant traffic disruption during the critical rush hour commute. The unusual incident, which occurred around 8:00 a.m. near Lee On Road, resulted in the temporary closure of lanes and prompted an immediate investigation by police and bus company officials.

The vehicle, operating as Route 27, was traveling towards Lee On Road when it reportedly lost control. Dramatic images from the scene show the bus stopped with its front half precariously balanced atop the concrete divider, both front tires suspended in the air. Crucially, all passengers were safely evacuated immediately following the event, and authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among the commuters or the driver.

Commute Chaos and Lane Closures

The incident significantly impacted the morning peak travel period. Following the accident, the Transport Department swiftly implemented partial lane closures in both directions on New Clear Water Bay Road near the site of the collision.

Motorists negotiating the usually busy corridor were forced to merge into the remaining open lanes, leading to the rapid buildup of heavy traffic congestion. Transport officials urged drivers to exercise patience and consider alternative routes if possible while emergency services worked to manage the scene and prepare for the complex recovery operation of the bus.

While the immediate safety response was successful—namely, securing the scene and evacuating all individuals without harm—the broader implications concern infrastructure and transportation reliability.

Investigations Underway

Both the Hong Kong Police Force and the KMB Company have launched parallel investigations into the precise causes of the accident. These inquiries aim to determine the factors that led to the heavy vehicle departing the carriageway and climbing the median.

Typical investigations following such incidents involve a rigorous review of several factors, including:

• Driver Fatigue or Health: Analyzing the driver’s recent logbook and medical status.
• Vehicle Condition: Inspecting the bus’s mechanical systems, particularly steering and braking responsiveness.
• Road Conditions: Assessing environmental factors such as surface conditions, road markers, and any potential debris.
• Speed and Maneuver: Reconstructing the moments leading up to the loss of control.

Insights gathered from surveillance footage, passenger accounts, and the vehicle’s telemetry data will be crucial in painting a complete picture of the circumstances.

Focus on Transportation Safety

This event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in managing the city’s dense transportation network. While large-scale bus incidents are relatively rare, the immediate impact on infrastructure and public movement can be substantial.

The safe evacuation of all passengers is a testament to the swift action taken by the bus driver and emergency protocols. However, ensuring proactive maintenance and stringent procedures for professional transit operators remain paramount. Following the conclusion of the formal investigation, transportation bodies will likely review operational guidelines to prevent future occurrences of vehicles leaving designated road spaces, particularly on high-volume routes like those traversing New Clear Water Bay Road.

Commuters are advised to continue monitoring Transport Department announcements for updates on road clearances and to anticipate potential residual delays throughout the day as the vehicle recovery process concludes.