Mercedes driver dies after car slams into concrete barrier, marking Hong Kong’s third traffic fatality in 6 days
- Motorist dies in hospital after being found unconscious in vehicle on Tsing Kwai Highway flyover in Kwai Chung
- No visible injury found on driver, 69, who is believed to have a history of heart disease
A driver died after his Mercedes-Benz slammed into a concrete barrier of a highway on Tuesday morning, marking Hong Kong’s third road fatality in six days.
The 69-year-old man was driving on the Tsing Kwai Highway flyover in Kwai Chung, heading towards Kowloon at 8.14am when the crash happened.
The black car hit the concrete barrier on the left side of the flyover. Police said the front of the vehicle was slightly damaged.
A force spokesman said the motorist was found unconscious at the wheel and rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital, where he died.
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No visible injuries were found on the driver, and an autopsy would be carried out to establish the cause of death.
A source familiar with the case said the man had a history of heart disease. He added police were investigating whether the driver suffered a sudden illness and passed out at the wheel before the crash.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact officers at 3661 1344 or 3661 1346.
Two fatal crashes preceded Tuesday’s incident.
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On Saturday, a 23-year-old died after a collision between his motorbike and a taxi on Argyle Street in Kowloon City. His pillion passenger – a 25-year-old man – sustained minor injuries.
Last Thursday, an 80-year-old man was killed by a cement mixer in a hit-and-run in Tsing Yi. Police arrested the alleged driver about five hours after the incident.
Figures from the force showed 81 people died in traffic accidents in Hong Kong between January and November last year, while 97 people died in 94 fatal crashes reported for the whole of 2021.
In a separate case, a 47-year-old passed out while cycling in the New Territories around midday on Tuesday. He was taken to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, where he died.
The man, treated for a heart problem about a month ago, was found by a passer-by, lying unconscious on a bicycle track off Tolo Highway in Tai Po at 12.11pm. Police discovered his bicycle beside him.
A police source said no visible injuries were found on the cyclist. He said it was possible the rider felt unwell and passed out.
He said a post-mortem examination would be carried out to determine the cause of death.
