Central, Hong Kong — A routine morning commute in Central was dramatically interrupted today when a livestock transport truck lost control, resulting in a collision that shattered the facade of a convenience store and sent one pedestrian to the hospital. At approximately 8:24 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, a heavy-goods vehicle, reportedly transporting pigs, veered unexpectedly and slammed into a 7-Eleven located on Gage Street, directly across from the iconic Lan Fong Yuen eatery.
Immediate Aftermath and Injury Report
The impact was significant, completely destroying the glass entrance and signage of the store. A male customer inside the premises was struck by debris during the crash, sustaining a minor head injury. Emergency services quickly transported the injured man to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition is reported as stable.
The accident prompted a rapid response from police and fire crews. Initial observations suggested the powerful collision had caused the truck to emit a brief burst of smoke. Firefighters utilized specialized equipment to secure the heavy vehicle, preventing any potential rollover and ensuring vehicular stability during recovery efforts. The driver of the unladen vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with police inquiries.
Preliminary Investigation Points to Brake Malfunction
Early investigative efforts are focusing on the moments immediately preceding the crash. The lorry had reportedly been parked near the junction of Lyndhurst Terrace and Gage Street, preparing for or completing an unloading task. Investigators suspect that as the driver returned to the cabin, the vehicle’s braking system may not have been fully engaged or functional.
“It appears the truck began to roll forward,” a source close to the incident stated, suggesting a failure to properly set the parking brake allowed the vehicle to accelerate down the short incline before impacting the storefront directly. Although some reports indicated the truck may have attempted a sharp left turn from Lyndhurst Terrace into Gage Street, the primary focus remains on a potential mechanical or procedural failure related to the braking mechanism while parking.
Traffic Implications and Safety Concerns
The unforeseen incident immediately impacted morning traffic flow in a notoriously congested section of Central. The Transport Department confirmed the immediate closure of a single traffic lane on Gage Street, specifically the stretch between Lyndhurst Terrace and Peel Street, to facilitate recovery operations, accident investigation, and clean-up. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes, exacerbating delays across the district.
This event highlights the persistent safety challenges posed by operating heavy commercial vehicles in densely populated urban environments. With limited space and constant foot traffic, the margin for operational error is minuscule. Authorities emphasized the importance of rigorous vehicle maintenance, particularly ensuring that braking and safety systems on large transport vehicles are checked and verified before every use.
As the investigation continues, authorities will determine if any regulatory breaches occurred, which could lead to actions against the driver or the transport company. The focus now shifts to repairing the significant damage to the commercial property and restoring normal traffic conditions in this essential pedestrian and thoroughfare area of Hong Kong.