A double decker bus in Hong Kong crashed into a barrier on a busy road on Monday, injuring about 14 people. Rescuers used steel cables to secure the tilted bus and evacuate trapped passengers. Photo: Elson LiA double-decker bus in Hong Kong crashed into a barrier and tilted to its side on a busy road on Monday, leaving 76 passengers trapped for up to an hour.
The KMB vehicle on route 290A running from Tseung Kwan O to Tsuen Wan was travelling along Ching Cheung Road in Cheung Sha Wan when the accident occurred near Lai Chi Kok Park at 9.43am.
The double decker rammed into an anti-crash barrier, mounted a concrete divider and came to a halt tilted to its right, according to police. Pictures taken at the scene show some passengers trapped on the upper deck.
Police earlier said the bus driver had passed out and was caught behind the wheel. A force spokesman later clarified the driver was unhurt and conscious.
At 10.15am, 22 passengers managed to climb out and 13 suffered minor injuries.
After firefighters secured the titled double decker with steel ropes and also parked a fire engine on the left side of the bus to prevent it from falling over, those trapped on the upper deck were led to safety. Rescuers also boarded to help some of the trapped passengers leave the vehicle.
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According to the Transport Department, all Kwai Chung-bound lanes of Ching Cheung Road have been closed to traffic. The department said motorists should use alternative routing.
As of 12.30pm, traffic jams stretched for about 4km along Ching Cheung Road and Lung Cheung Road, ending near Phoenix Road and Tai Po Road around Chak On Estate.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident.