Nine people were injured, including a 75-year-old woman critically, after an elderly driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing his electric car to veer onto a busy Kowloon sidewalk.
Hong Kong police confirmed the traffic accident occurred at 12:41 on 16/3. The incident took place outside Metro Centre II, at the intersection of Lam Hing Street and Wang Hoi Road, directly opposite a University of Hong Kong building. The injured comprise seven males and two females.
A 75-year-old man was driving the electric car, accompanied by a 75-year-old female passenger. The driver was reportedly turning the vehicle around when the accident happened.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the driver accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. This error caused the vehicle to lose control, mount the sidewalk, and strike eight pedestrians. The female passenger was also ejected from the car during the collision.
Injuries affected individuals aged 18 to 75. The most severe injuries were sustained by the female passenger, who is the driver's wife. She suffered head and rib trauma after being thrown from the vehicle, suggesting she may not have been wearing a seatbelt. Other pedestrians sustained various scratches and bruises to their heads, arms, legs, and bodies; all remained conscious following the incident.
Police have since arrested the male driver on suspicion of dangerous driving causing serious injury. Tests conducted at the scene confirmed the man was not under the influence of alcohol or other stimulants while driving.
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The car involved in the accident. *Photo: HK01*
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The car swerved onto the sidewalk, hitting pedestrians before returning to the road.
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The driver is seen opening the door and stepping out of the car. Several victims lie on the sidewalk.
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Police and rescue teams at the scene.
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The driver's wife was thrown from the car and is seen on the road surface.
By My Anh (Source: HK01)
