HONG KONG — Authorities detained a 71-year-old minibus operator on Wednesday afternoon following a serious traffic accident in Kwai Chung where a pedestrian sustained critical injuries. The incident occurred around 2:58 p.m. on Wo Tong Tsui Street, resulting in the hospitalization of a 55-year-old woman with critical head trauma.
The collision unfolded near street address 55, involving a public light bus and the pedestrian, identified by the surname Fong. Following the impact, the victim immediately lost consciousness. Emergency services provided on-site medical attention before transporting her to Princess Margaret Hospital. She remains in intensive care, listed in critical condition.
Police cordoned off the segment of Wo Tong Tsui Street for several hours to conduct their investigation. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings indicate that the pedestrian was attempting to cross the roadway, moving from the right side to the left, when she was struck by the approaching minibus. Investigators are focusing on the driver’s alleged failure to yield or stop.
Dangerous Driving Charges Filed
The driver, identified by the surname Lui, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. This charge, often invoked in cases where vehicular negligence directly results in severe injury, carries significant penalties in Hong Kong law, reflecting the gravity of the consequences. The suspect remains in custody pending further questioning and forensic analysis of the accident scene.
Traffic safety experts note that intersections and mid-block crossings in busy urban districts like Kwai Chung present heightened risks for both drivers and pedestrians. High pedestrian volume combined with frequent stops and starts required of commercial vehicles can increase the likelihood of such accidents, particularly if drivers are not fully vigilant.
Common Factors in Pedestrian Accidents:
- Failing to Yield: Drivers not granting right-of-way at designated or perceived crosswalks.
- Driver Fatigue: Reduced reaction time, especially among elderly commercial drivers.
- Speeding: Even slightly exceeding safe speeds drastically increases stopping distance.
The ongoing inquiry aims to reconstruct the exact sequence of events, including examining the vehicle’s speed, the driver’s actions prior to the collision, and visibility conditions at the time of the crash. Forensic teams documented the scene, noting bloodstains and physical evidence on the road surface pertinent to the investigation.
Promoting Urban Traffic Safety
This incident underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining safety in Hong Kong’s densely populated urban environment. The government and transport operators frequently launch campaigns stressing shared road responsibility. For the public, awareness regarding pedestrian safety remains paramount:
- Use Designated Crossings: Always use overhead bridges, underpasses, or marked crosswalks.
- Avoid Distraction: Refrain from using mobile devices while crossing the road.
- Make Eye Contact: Ensure drivers acknowledge your presence before stepping into traffic.
The outcome of the legal proceedings against Mr. Lui will depend on the detailed findings of the traffic investigation unit. This critical case could lead to renewed calls for improved checks on the fitness and training of veteran commercial vehicle operators in the territory.