A late-night delivery went awry early Tuesday morning in Hung Hom when a bakery firm’s truck overturned on Chatham Road South, temporarily trapping its driver and causing disruption to predawn traffic. The incident, which occurred around 4:30 a.m., highlights the inherent risks of driving during inclement weather, particularly on busy urban arteries.
The vehicle was navigating Chatham Road South southbound toward Kowloon City when the driver reportedly lost control near the stretch bordering the Hong Kong Polytechnic University student residences. Authorities suspect the wet road surface, likely slick from overnight moisture or rain, contributed to the crash. Eyewitness accounts suggest the lorry began to fishtail and subsequently departed the roadway, careening through approximately six meters of roadside safety railings before ultimately landing on its right side. The front cabin sustained significant structural damage in the violent impact.
The 34-year-old driver, identified by the surname Fong, found himself pinned within the wrecked cabin immediately following the rollover. Prompt assistance from concerned passing motorists initiated the swift response from emergency services.
Swift Rescue and Minor Injuries
Police and fire department units were dispatched rapidly to the scene. Rescuers successfully extricated Mr. Fong from the wreckage. Despite the severity of the accident—the truck was completely inverted—the driver fortunately sustained only minor injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for precautionary examination and treatment.
The incident led to temporary lane closures and traffic slowdowns on the busy thoroughfare as recovery crews worked to stabilize and upright the large commercial vehicle and clear debris. The disruption occurred during a time when traffic volume is typically low, mitigating what could have been a catastrophic rush-hour snarl.
“The combination of high-speed travel and slick surfaces is always volatile,” remarked a traffic safety expert, emphasizing the need for commercial drivers to exercise extreme caution on road infrastructure near bends and residential areas. “Even minor moisture can drastically reduce tire traction, demanding greater following distances and slower speeds.”
Investigating the Circumstances
The precise factors contributing to the accident remain under active investigation by local traffic police. Key elements being examined include the truck’s operational condition, the driver’s adherence to speed limits, and the specific road surface conditions at the time of the crash.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for all commercial fleet operators regarding driver fatigue, vehicle maintenance, and safety training, especially concerning adverse weather conditions. For motorists navigating major commuter routes around Hong Kong, such scenes underscore the imperative to reduce speed significantly whenever road surfaces are compromised by rain or humidity, ensuring safety for both themselves and essential service providers. The full extent of the road infrastructure damage and the cause of vehicular control loss are expected to be confirmed once the investigation concludes.