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Thursday, Oct 03, 2024
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Learner motorcyclist dies in tunnel hit-and-run
A 29-year-old motorcyclist driving with a learner's driving licence was killed after losing control of his motorbike on a slippery road and being run over by a coach at the Hong Kong Island exit of the Western Harbor Crossing during the morning rush hour yesterday.
The coach driver was later arrested at Siu Sai Wan for a hit-and-run.
Motorcyclists with a learner's driving license are forbidden from driving on highways and in tunnels, as well as from driving during peak hours.
The fatal accident happened at around 8.44am, when the motorcyclist, Ho, was riding along the right lane of Western Harbor Crossing towards Central, parallel to the coach on the left.
According to dashcam footage, Ho lost control of his motorcycle, gradually leaned to the left and hit the right side of the coach.
Ho then fell to the ground with his helmet thrown off and was rolling over the head by the right rear wheel of the coach.
The coach at one point slowed down but did not stop and eventually and drove away.
Sustaining a severe head injury, Ho was certified dead at the scene. A large pool of blood and human tissue were left on the ground.
A taxi driver who witnessed the accident said the motorcycle rammed into the coach and made a "bang" sound before going down. He added that he sounded the horn to warn the coach driver. A private car following the coach also stopped, but the coach had already driven off.
Police officers later found the coach outside a secondary school in Siu Sai Wan. Officers checked the tires of the coach, removed its dashcam and searched the vehicle.
The coach driver, Kwan, 31, was arrested for not stopping and for not reporting the accident. He has been detained for investigation.
An investigation by the special investigation team of traffic is underway. The police also urged anyone who has any information on the incident to offer to contact them.
A driver is liable to a maximum fine of HK$10,000 and 12 months in jail when failing to stop after an accident. Failing to report the accident within 24 hours is liable to a fine of HK$25,000 and six months in jail.
Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, president of Hong Kong Automobile Association, said driving test applicants must place the learner's driving licence sign on their vehicles and comply with relevant rules.
According to the Conditions Imposed with Issue of Learner's Driving License, drivers with learning licenses are not allowed to drive between 7.30am and 9.30am on weekdays as Ho did.
International Professional Insurance Consulting Association president Paul Law Siu-hung said a driver would not get any compensation from the insurance company if they performed illegal acts. In not complying with the rules, "the loss will outweigh the gain" in the event of an accident, he added.
Motorcyclists with a learner's driving license are forbidden from driving on highways and in tunnels, as well as from driving during peak hours.
The fatal accident happened at around 8.44am, when the motorcyclist, Ho, was riding along the right lane of Western Harbor Crossing towards Central, parallel to the coach on the left.
According to dashcam footage, Ho lost control of his motorcycle, gradually leaned to the left and hit the right side of the coach.
Ho then fell to the ground with his helmet thrown off and was rolling over the head by the right rear wheel of the coach.
The coach at one point slowed down but did not stop and eventually and drove away.
Sustaining a severe head injury, Ho was certified dead at the scene. A large pool of blood and human tissue were left on the ground.
A taxi driver who witnessed the accident said the motorcycle rammed into the coach and made a "bang" sound before going down. He added that he sounded the horn to warn the coach driver. A private car following the coach also stopped, but the coach had already driven off.
Police officers later found the coach outside a secondary school in Siu Sai Wan. Officers checked the tires of the coach, removed its dashcam and searched the vehicle.
The coach driver, Kwan, 31, was arrested for not stopping and for not reporting the accident. He has been detained for investigation.
An investigation by the special investigation team of traffic is underway. The police also urged anyone who has any information on the incident to offer to contact them.
A driver is liable to a maximum fine of HK$10,000 and 12 months in jail when failing to stop after an accident. Failing to report the accident within 24 hours is liable to a fine of HK$25,000 and six months in jail.
Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, president of Hong Kong Automobile Association, said driving test applicants must place the learner's driving licence sign on their vehicles and comply with relevant rules.
According to the Conditions Imposed with Issue of Learner's Driving License, drivers with learning licenses are not allowed to drive between 7.30am and 9.30am on weekdays as Ho did.
International Professional Insurance Consulting Association president Paul Law Siu-hung said a driver would not get any compensation from the insurance company if they performed illegal acts. In not complying with the rules, "the loss will outweigh the gain" in the event of an accident, he added.
