Five-Vehicle Crash in Tai Lam Tunnel Causes Severe Congestion, Driver Injured
Crhk · 4 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A major traffic incident unfolded in the Tai Lam Tunnel on August 25, when five vehicles collided inside the tunnel tube heading toward Yuen Long. The crash, occurring at approximately 5 p.m., involved a crane truck, three cargo trucks and one taxi. One driver was left with leg injuries and required rescue by the Fire Services Department. Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
Key Points
- The collision took place inside the Tai Lam Tunnel tube on the Yuen Long-bound carriageway at about 5 p.m. on August 25
- Five vehicles were involved: one crane truck, three cargo trucks and one taxi, with the taxi sandwiched between the crane truck and another vehicle ahead
- One cargo truck driver reported his leg trapped under his seat; he was rescued by fire crews and remained conscious when taken to Pok Oi Hospital
- The fast and middle lanes of the tunnel tube were closed to traffic, with vehicles only able to use the remaining lane
- Traffic queues extended back past Ting Kau Bridge, with congestion reaching the Tuen Mun direction exit of Cheung Tsing Tunnel
- Citybus routes serving Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai and Lok Ma Chau were diverted via West Kowloon Highway and Tuen Mun Road after the Route 3 junction
- By 7 p.m., road crews completed clearance operations and all lanes were reopened, with queues gradually dispersing
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the vulnerability of Hong Kong's major cross-district road links to cascading congestion when accidents block tunnel tubes. With the Tai Lam Tunnel serving as a critical artery connecting the urban New Territories to Yuen Long, any prolonged lane closures can paralyse transport across a wide area, affecting not only private vehicles but also numerous public bus routes serving tens of thousands of commuters .
The incident underscores the vulnerability of Hong Kong's major cross-district road links to cascading congestion when accidents block tunnel tubes. With the Tai Lam Tunnel serving as a critical artery connecting the urban New Territories to Yuen Long, any prolonged lane closures can paralyse transport across a wide area, affecting not only private vehicles but also numerous public bus routes serving tens of thousands of commuters .