‘Manslaughter charge’ looms for driver of Hong Kong taxi in Tai Po horror crash, as second victim dies from injuries
- Woman, 63, becomes second fatality from accident; a 59-year-old man was killed at the scene on Sunday
- Driver was arrested after slamming into a pedestrian island as residents crossed busy street
Detectives from the New Territories North regional crime unit were on Monday tasked to take over the investigation soon after a 63-year-old woman died at 7.05am in Tuen Mun Hospital.
A 59-year-old man was certified dead at the scene on Kwong Fuk Road. Four of the eight remaining victims were being treated at Prince of Wales Hospital. They comprised a four-year-old boy in critical condition, two women aged 37 and 51, and a 63-year-old man, all in stable condition.
The police source said officers were looking into factors such as the speed of the taxi and how the 63-year-old suspect was driving at the time of the crash.
He said: “[On top of online videos], officers will also check dashcam footage installed in the taxi to gather evidence and determine if there was a mechanical fault.”
The cab has been sent to a government vehicle plant in the New Territories for examination.
With two lives lost to the crash, the source said manslaughter charges were being considered.
On Sunday, the taxi driver, who had allegedly run the red light, was arrested over dangerous driving causing death. He had complained of feeling unwell and was sent to Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin.
On Monday afternoon, the man was being held in the hospital’s custodial ward and had not been charged.
Dashcam footage of the lead-up to the accident showed dozens of people entering the pedestrian crossing after the traffic light turned red. An oncoming taxi then veered into the opposite lane to overtake another cab, only to slam into the crowd that was passing through the pedestrian island.
Videos showed unconscious victims lying on the ground alongside a smashed traffic light and metal fencing ripped from the pedestrian island.
A crowd of about 20 passers-by was also seen rushing to the taxi in the aftermath of the crash, working together to lift the vehicle and free at least two victims trapped underneath.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact officers on 3661 3858 or 3661 3800.
