A Citybus airport bus was involved in a serious traffic accident on May 1, 2025, at approximately 12:27 PM, on the West Kowloon Highway near Hoi Lai Estate. The bus, traveling towards Tsing Yi, reportedly lost control and crashed into roadside crash barriers and water-filled barriers, resulting in significant damage to the vehicle and injuring at least 26 people.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus's front was severely damaged, with its windshield shattered and debris scattered across the road. Images from the scene showed the bus in a precarious position, having collided with the barriers at a fork in the road. The incident occurred just before the peak of the May Day holiday, a time when many residents and tourists were traveling.
The Transport Department updated the public at 12:55 PM, informing them that due to the accident, part of the West Kowloon Highway towards Tsing Yi and the only lane of the Tsing Sha Highway branch towards Tsing Kwai Highway were temporarily closed. This resulted in heavy traffic congestion in the area, prompting authorities to advise drivers to consider alternative routes.
Emergency services were quick to respond, with multiple ambulances arriving at the scene to assist the injured. Among those hurt were the bus driver and approximately 25 passengers, all of whom were transported to local hospitals including Kwong Wah Hospital, Caritas Medical Centre, and Princess Margaret Hospital. Fortunately, all injuries were reported to be minor.
Citybus, the operator of the involved bus, expressed their condolences to those affected by the accident. They stated, "We will provide appropriate assistance and support to the injured passengers and their families." The company also confirmed that it would cooperate fully with the police investigation into the incident.
This accident comes amid a busy travel period, as many people were taking advantage of the May Day holiday, which coincides with the Golden Week in mainland China. As of the evening of May 1, over 884,000 people entered and exited Hong Kong, with more than 460,000 arrivals, including over 213,000 mainland tourists. The Lo Wu Port saw the highest number of arrivals, with nearly 83,000 crossing through, followed closely by the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.
In light of the accident, the police have been closely monitoring the situation and managing traffic flow in the affected areas. Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and patient as they navigate the congested roads.
As investigations continue, the focus will be on determining the cause of the bus's loss of control. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver was not under the influence of any substances, but further inquiries will delve into mechanical failures or other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
In the wake of this incident, there are renewed calls for improved safety measures on public transport, particularly during peak travel times. Local lawmakers and transport officials are expected to discuss potential regulations to enhance the safety of passengers and drivers alike.
Citybus has emphasized its commitment to safety and has stated it will review its operational protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. The company has also indicated that it will conduct its own internal investigation to complement the police inquiry.
As the community processes this unfortunate event, many are left reflecting on the importance of road safety, particularly during busy holiday periods. With the influx of tourists and residents alike, ensuring the safety of public transport is more critical than ever.
Authorities are encouraging anyone who witnessed the accident or has additional information to come forward to assist in the investigation. The police have set up a dedicated hotline for this purpose, aiming to gather as much information as possible to understand the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In summary, the accident on the West Kowloon Highway serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of road travel, especially during high-traffic times like holidays. As investigations unfold, both the transport company and local authorities are under scrutiny to ensure that safety remains a top priority.
