Cross-border truck slams into scooter, killing rider
A scooter rider stopped at a red light at a junction in Sham Shui Po was killed yesterday when he was hit from behind by a cross-border truck.
Mak Tai-yin, 53, was apparently aware of the truck coming from behind in Tai Po Road at 9.50am but had no time to escape, police said.
'Witnesses told us that the motorcyclist appeared to be too frightened and frozen to his position at the time of the incident,' an officer said. 'He only turned his head to check left and right, but it seemed he was confused where he could escape. And then the truck came and struck him.'
Mak was thrown from his scooter by the impact of the collision, at the junction with Castle Peak Road. The scooter was trapped under the front of the truck and pushed about 30 metres, police said.
A paramedic from St John Ambulance who attempted to resuscitate Mak at the scene said he was motionless and his pulse very weak. The victim was taken to Caritas Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead at 10.10am.
Mak had been on his way to work at Shun Hing Engineering Contracting Company, where he was a technician. He is survived by his wife and 29-year-old son.
The truck driver, 55, was transporting goods from Dongguan, Guangdong province, to his office in Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po. He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death.
He told police the truck's brakes had failed, but an initial inspection found no such defect.
Senior Inspector Chan Siu-wai of the Kowloon West traffic unit said: 'Police are still investigating whether the accident involved a mechanical fault or a human error.' The truck was towed to a vehicle plant in Ho Man Tin for examination.
Chan said the junction was not an accident black spot. He appealed for witnesses to contact police on 2773 5200.
Last night, the truck driver was granted police bail pending further investigation. He has not been charged.
A spokeswoman for Shun Hing Group said the company was saddened by the death and would offer assistance to Mak's family.
