Crash coach driver worked long hours

The 62-year-old coach driver of the fatal traffic accident in Tsing Yi had been working for about 10 hours — on a shift from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am — police revealed on Friday.

The investigation into the incident, including whether the crash was triggered by fatigue or drink driving, is underway, said Superintendent Michael Yip Siu-ming of the New Territories South traffic division’s investigation and support unit.

The accident, in which five were killed and more than 30 were injured, happened before 5:00 am when a shuttle bus carrying 36 passengers to Hong Kong International Airport smashed into a stationary taxi on a highway near Tsing Yi.

Three who were tossed from the bus died at the scene, while two others died after being rushed to hospital. Other injured passengers were sent to four nearby hospitals by more than 10 ambulances.

Senior officials including Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong, Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan, and Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee have visited the injured.

Until 7:00 pm on Friday, five injured people still remain hospitalized, including the coach driver who is in a critical condition.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor expressed her sadness and sent condolences to families of the bereaved on Friday.

Lam said it was “premature” to draw a conclusion about the accident before police finished their investigation. The government will follow up the accident in a comprehensive manner, she said.

The bus operator involved — Kwoon Chung Motors Co Ltd — stressed that the driver did not work non-stop for 10 hours, but had rest periods on the bus.

However, the employer revealed the driver had been suspended for careless driving following an accident earlier this year.

Among victims of the accident, 18 were employees of the flagship airline company of Hong Kong — Cathay Pacific Airways — including two who had died.

The Social Welfare Department provided a 24-hour hotline 2343 2255 to people emotionally affected or in need of help due to the accident.

As police noted, some passengers were thrown out of the bus — possibly because they were not wearing seat belts, said lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun. He suggested legislation might be needed to make passengers wear seat belts when taking coaches.