A morning commute turned hazardous Friday in Hong Kong’s Western District when a double-decker Citybus collided with construction scaffolding protruding into Victoria Road, sending one passenger to the hospital. The incident, which occurred around 7:46 a.m. as the bus ascended toward Aberdeen, shattered windows on the vehicle’s upper deck and resulted in injuries to a male passenger.
The accident took place near a Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) slope worksite. Authorities reported that a male passenger, approximately in his sixties, sustained injuries from broken glass when the bus made contact with the metallic structure. Following immediate treatment by emergency services at the scene, the injured individual was transported to Queen Mary Hospital for further medical attention. Details regarding the extent of his injuries were not immediately available.
Scaffold Intrusion Under Investigation
The Citybus was traveling uphill when the collision occurred. Preliminary site assessments indicated that the impact focused on the left side of the upper deck, breaking at least two windows. The focus of the immediate investigation centers on the construction framework itself.
According to site reports, a section of the metal scaffolding structure, estimated to be about six meters long, appeared to have shifted outward from its intended boundary, extending partially into the vehicle’s path. While the main structural integrity of the scaffolding remained intact despite the contact, the displacement was significant enough to cause the accident.
Construction workers responsible for the slope maintenance quickly secured the affected area following the incident to prevent further danger to passing traffic. The CEDD is expected to investigate whether proper safety protocols or boundary clearances were maintained at the site leading up to the collision. Securing construction perimeters, especially along busy arterial roads like Victoria Road, is a critical safety measure to protect both workers and the public.
Implications for Commuter Safety
Urban transit accidents involving construction sites highlight the persistent challenges of managing extensive infrastructure projects in dense metropolitan areas. For bus operators like Citybus, navigating tight urban corridors demands strict adherence to road clearances and proactive safety reporting.
Accidents resulting from debris or misplaced materials from construction sites are often preventable. The outcome of the official investigation will likely determine if negligence contributed to the scaffolding’s encroachment onto the roadway. Infrastructure departments typically mandate regular inspections of temporary works, including scaffolding and hoardings, to ensure they do not obstruct or endanger passing vehicles or pedestrians.
The immediate priority remains the recovery of the injured passenger. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder for all parties—commuters, construction firms, and governmental departments—about the ongoing necessity for stringent safety oversight where transit and infrastructure development intersect. Moving forward, both police and the CEDD will continue to examine the worksite conditions and operational compliance to prevent similar occurrences.