A tragic multi-vehicle collision on the Yuen Long Highway early this morning has claimed one life and left several others injured. The incident, which occurred around 7:24 AM on February 27, 2025, involved seven vehicles, including two light trucks, one medium truck, and four private cars.
According to initial reports, the accident happened near the intersection of Shek Wu School, where drivers found themselves trapped and unsure about the cause of the crash. Eyewitness accounts suggest the sequence of events began when the first vehicle slowed down due to the sudden braking of traffic ahead, particularly from a bus.
One of the drivers involved recounted, "I was the first car; there was a bus slowing down, so I slowed down too!" This seemingly innocent action had disastrous consequences as trailing drivers could not react quickly enough, leading to chain reactions of collisions.
Among the vehicles caught up in the wreck were heavy-duty trucks and personal cars, with significant damage noted. Rescuers were dispatched to free those trapped, leading to heartbreaking scenes as emergency services struggled to reach individuals pinned inside their vehicles.
The most severely affected was the driver of the refrigerated light truck, who was found unconscious, bleeding, and later rushed to Po Ai Hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. This marked the first confirmed fatality from the accident, sending ripples of concern through the local community.
Reports indicate at least six others sustained injuries during the incident, which included three men, two women, and one young boy, all of whom were also taken to Po Ai Hospital for immediate medical treatment.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to extricate the driver from the wreckage. With tools and precision, they dismantled parts of the heavily damaged truck to reach him, yet it took nearly one hour before they successfully retrieved the victim and began administering emergency medical care.
Witnesses described feeling helpless as the events unfolded around them. Damaged vehicles littered the fast lane, creating significant traffic delays as authorities responded to the scene. Footage from the location showed harrowing images of crushed metal and the urgency of rescue operations.
The Transport Department stated the entire Yuen Long Highway direction toward Shek Wu remains closed, advising drivers to seek alternative routes. Public bus services on affected routes were also disrupted, indicating widespread trouble for commuters relying on public transport.
Investigation teams are now actively working to determine the exact cause of this collision, evaluating various factors including vehicle speeds and the braking systems involved. Road safety advocates have reiterated the importance of maintaining safe distances between vehicles to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring again.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they develop from their investigations. The incident serves as yet another sobering reminder of the challenges and dangers faced on the roads, particularly during busy morning rush hours.