Minibus Driver Arrested After Elderly Passenger Dies
HK01 · 4 SOURCES1 day ago4 MIN
Summary
Police said on Friday that a 69-year-old minibus driver had been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death after an 88-year-old man fell while boarding a minibus in Wong Tai Sin on October 2 and later died in hospital on October 8. The elderly passenger was initially conscious after the incident but his condition later deteriorated, and the case is now being handled by the Kowloon East regional traffic special investigation team.
Key Points
- The incident was reported at 4:35pm on October 2 on Chuk Yuen Road in Wong Tai Sin, when 88-year-old Yau, surnamed Yau (邱), fell while boarding a minibus.
- He suffered head and leg injuries and was taken conscious to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but was certified dead at 9:21pm on October 8 after six days in hospital.
- Police believe the 69-year-old driver, surnamed Wong, allegedly moved off before noticing the elderly man had fully boarded, causing him to lose balance and fall.
- The arrested driver is being detained for investigation, while the Kowloon East regional traffic special investigation team is following up the suspected dangerous driving causing death case.
- The victim’s son said his father had planned to take green minibus route 72 from the stop outside Chui Chuk Shopping Centre or near Chuk Yuen Market, and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Why It Matters
The arrest turns what first appeared to be a boarding accident into a criminal traffic investigation, with possible legal consequences for the driver if evidence supports the allegation. For Hong Kong passengers, the case also raises immediate concern over boarding safety on public light buses, especially for elderly riders.