A significant traffic collision rocked a Lam Tin neighborhood early Monday morning when a light goods vehicle rear-ended a stationary taxi, launching the cab onto the pavement and severely damaging roadside infrastructure. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Tsui Lam Road, near Tak Tin Estate, heading toward Kwun Tong, resulting in the taxi driver being hospitalized with neck injuries, while the van driver was reportedly unharmed, police confirmed.
The force of the impact was so substantial that the taxi, which was parked at the roadside, was propelled onto the nearby pedestrian walkway. Nearby residents reported hearing a loud crash before discovering the scene and alerting emergency services.
Emergency Response and Suspected Cause
Fire and ambulance crews quickly arrived at the crash site. The taxi driver, though conscious, was treated for a neck injury at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The driver of the light goods vehicle did not require medical attention.
Authorities are investigating the precise cause of the crash, but preliminary reports indicate the van driver allegedly claimed to have experienced dizziness just before the vehicle failed to stop in time, leading to the collision. This statement suggests a potential medical factor contributed to the driver’s inability to control the vehicle.
The intensity of the collision left a trail of destruction. Examination of the site showed considerable damage to both vehicles.
- Taxi Damage: Both the front and rear sections of the taxi sustained heavy damage, with the vehicle body appearing significantly distorted from the impact.
- Infrastructure Damage: Approximately four meters of metal safety railings protecting the pedestrian footpath were completely destroyed.
Safety Concerns for Roadside Workers
This incident highlights persistent safety concerns regarding vehicles parked or stopping near high-traffic thoroughfares, as well as the immediate danger posed to drivers and passengers within vehicles subjected to a high-force rear-end collision. While traffic accident statistics for Lam Tin are not immediately available, such incidents often underscore the need for enhanced driver vigilance, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when fatigue or distractions may be elevated.
The immediate aftermath required significant clear-up operations to remove the wreckage and address the damaged infrastructure. Hong Kong authorities are expected to repair the safety barriers swiftly to protect pedestrians using the busy walkway.
Police are continuing their investigation into the exact circumstances leading up to the crash and whether negligence or a medical event was the primary cause. This investigation will look closely at driver fitness and vehicle maintenance records to determine if any regulations were violated. Findings from this inquiry will be crucial for determining accountability and potentially implementing preventative measures to mitigate similar incidents in the future.
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