Tour Bus Driver Dies After Collapsing at Wheel in Shing Mun Tunnel
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 71-year-old tour bus driver died on Wednesday afternoon after collapsing at the wheel inside Shing Mun Tunnel, causing his vehicle to veer into a tunnel wall and scrape along a barrier for several hundred metres before stopping. The bus was carrying 47 young children traveling from Sha Tin to Tsing Yi when the incident occurred at approximately 3:20pm. The driver, surnamed Lam, was found unconscious with no visible injuries and rushed to Yan Chai Hospital, where he was declared dead at 5:13pm. None of the children aboard sustained injuries, according to initial reports.
Key Points
- The incident occurred around 3:20pm inside Shing Mun Tunnel, with dashcam footage showing the bus veering into the tunnel wall approximately five seconds after entering
- The vehicle scraped along the roadside barrier for several hundred metres, emitting smoke before coming to a stop
- The bus was carrying 47 young children en route from Sha Tin to Tsing Yi when the crash occurred
- Driver Lam was rushed to Yan Chai Hospital and pronounced dead at 5:13pm; initial medical reports indicate he had undergone angioplasty several years ago
- Police are investigating the case and have appealed for witnesses to contact the New Territories South traffic unit at 3661 1344
Why It Matters
This incident raises urgent questions about medical screening requirements for commercial bus drivers in Hong Kong, particularly for those transporting vulnerable passengers such as children. The absence of brake lights before the crash and the driver's undisclosed cardiac history may prompt regulatory authorities to review occupational health standards for public transport operators.
This incident raises urgent questions about medical screening requirements for commercial bus drivers in Hong Kong, particularly for those transporting vulnerable passengers such as children. The absence of brake lights before the crash and the driver's undisclosed cardiac history may prompt regulatory authorities to review occupational health standards for public transport operators.