A tragic multi-vehicle collision occurred early on New Year's Day on the West Kowloon Highway, resulting in three deaths and four injuries. The accident took place around 1 AM, near the Olympic Station, when four private cars and two taxis were involved. According to police investigations, it appears the crash was triggered by one taxi changing lanes unexpectedly, which led to a chain reaction among the vehicles.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the roadway and emergency responders arriving swiftly to manage the situation. The police confirmed the involvement of six vehicles including three private cars and three taxis. A black private car reportedly lost control after the initial collision, crashing against roadside barriers before hitting another taxi and additional parked vehicles.
The accident stunned passing motorists who were caught off guard by the sudden impact. Casualties included three men from the same black private car; tragically, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and two passengers later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The taxi also had injured passengers, and its driver, identified as 65 years old, faces charges of dangerous driving leading to death.
Emergency services responded quickly following reports of the accident, with police, firefighters, and medics working together to free those trapped and transport the injured to nearby hospitals, including Kwong Wah Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Eyewitnesses also shared their shock at the moment of impact, recounting how the black private car sped by moments before the collision.
An investigation has been launched by the Traffic Department of the West Kowloon Police District. The involved taxi driver was arrested and remains under investigation. Local authorities had closed down the affected area of the West Kowloon Highway toward the Western Harbour Tunnel to facilitate the investigation and clear debris, significantly affecting traffic flow during the morning rush hour.
Subsequently, the Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged all drivers to prioritize road safety. The department head reminded everyone to remain vigilant when driving, particularly during busy periods such as holidays.
Video footage has emerged from dashcams capturing the moments leading up to the collision. One recording from the scene shows the taxi crossing lanes before colliding with the speeding black private car, which resulted in significant damage and the tragic loss of life.
The incident has sparked discussion about traffic safety on the West Kowloon Highway, with officials encouraging anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the police. An assistance station was set up at hospital locations to help families affected by the incident.
This devastating accident underlines the urgent need for awareness of driving safety measures. Local authorities continue to investigate the case, seeking to prevent such tragedies from occurring again on Hong Kong's roads.