A bus crash near Kwu Tung on Wednesday has left six passengers dead and over 30 injured, according to local media reports.
A KMB 978 bus was travelling towards Sheung Shui on Fanling Highway, and crashed near the Po Shek Wu Road roundabout at around 4pm, according to the bus company. Local media reported that the vehicle hit a tree, which sliced off the left side of its upper deck and severely damaged its front.
Three passengers were reportedly thrown out of the vehicle during the crash. Five deaths – three men and two women – were reported by media as of 5:30pm. Another woman was later reported to have died at North District Hospital in Sheung Shui.
Firefighters and police officers arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations. At least one passenger was seen trapped inside the damaged bus. Several bodies were laid out on the side of the road.
Police said in a statement at 5:24pm that some of the Sheung Shui-bound lanes of Fanling Highway near Tsung Pak Long had been closed to all traffic.
A spokesperson for KMB expressed deep sadness in a statement and offered condolences to the families of those killed. The bus operator has offered to provide support to those injured and the families of the victims and said it would cooperate with police investigations.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has expressed shock and sadness by reports of the crash. In a statement, the government said she has instructed relevant departments including the Social Welfare Department and the Home Affairs Department, alongside the Hospital Authority, to provide all appropriate assistance to injured people and family members.
“Mrs Lam also expressed her condolences and sympathy to all [those affected],” it added.
