Hong Kong – A traffic accident in Kowloon Bay on Saturday, March 16, 2026, left nine people injured after a private car veered onto a pedestrian walkway. The incident, involving a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, occurred around midday on Lam Hing Street and has prompted a police investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of the 75-year-old male driver on suspicion of dangerous driving.
The incident unfolded at approximately 12:41 PM local time, according to reports from Ming Pao News. A private car, bearing both Hong Kong and mainland Chinese license plates, reportedly lost control while exiting a parking garage at the Mei Loo Centre Phase 2. Instead of navigating the turn onto Lam Hing Street, the vehicle mounted the sidewalk, striking multiple pedestrians. Initial reports indicated at least nine individuals sustained injuries, with varying degrees of severity. According to TVB News, all of the injured were conscious at the scene.
Details of the Collision and Injuries
Emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, swiftly responded to the scene. The vehicle sustained significant damage to its front bumper and the driver-side front door. While the driver reportedly escaped injury, a female passenger was ejected from the car during the collision and sustained more serious injuries, as reported by Hong Kong01. Images circulating online, captured by Nam Ho @ 馬路的事 (即時交通資訊台) on Facebook, depict at least three individuals lying on the ground following the impact. The accident also resulted in damage to a tree and approximately 10 meters of metal railing along the walkway.
Police investigations suggest the driver may have mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake while attempting to develop a U-turn. According to a police briefing, as reported by Yahoo News, “During the process, the driver is suspected of stepping on the accelerator instead of the brake, resulting in the car rushing forward and hitting eight pedestrians.” The female passenger’s failure to wear a seatbelt is also being investigated as a contributing factor to the severity of her injuries.
Traffic Disruption and Road Closures
The accident caused significant traffic disruption in the Kowloon Bay area. Transport authorities immediately closed sections of Lam Hing Street near Hong Keoi Road and Lam Li Street near Hung Kai Road to facilitate rescue operations and the police investigation. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes, as the area experienced heavy congestion. As of this reporting, the extent of the road closures and estimated reopening times remain unclear. The Transport Department has not yet issued a statement regarding the duration of the disruptions.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The 75-year-old driver is currently in police custody and is being questioned regarding the incident. The Kowloon East Regional Traffic Investigation Unit is leading the investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the collision. The driver faces charges of dangerous driving, and further charges may be filed pending the outcome of the investigation. Police have indicated they are examining the vehicle’s mechanical condition as part of their inquiry.
The incident raises questions about road safety and the potential for age-related factors to contribute to traffic accidents. While authorities have not yet commented on this aspect, the driver’s age is likely to be a consideration during the investigation. The case also highlights the importance of wearing seatbelts, as the female passenger’s injuries were reportedly exacerbated by her failure to do so.
Eyewitness Accounts and Social Media Reports
Social media platforms have been flooded with images and videos of the aftermath of the accident. Nam Ho @ 馬路的事 (即時交通資訊台) on Facebook has been actively sharing updates and photos from the scene, providing a visual record of the damage and the emergency response. Eyewitness accounts shared online describe a chaotic scene, with pedestrians scrambling to avoid the out-of-control vehicle. These accounts, while unverified, corroborate the official reports of the incident.
Impact on Local Residents and Businesses
The accident has understandably caused concern among local residents and business owners in the Kowloon Bay area. The closure of major roads has disrupted traffic flow and impacted access to local businesses. The incident also serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of pedestrian walkways and the importance of driver vigilance. Local community groups are calling for increased safety measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
The incident occurred in a densely populated area of Kowloon Bay, near several commercial buildings and residential complexes. This location likely contributed to the high number of pedestrian casualties. The area is a major transportation hub, with frequent pedestrian traffic, making it particularly vulnerable to such incidents.
Ongoing Updates and Further Information
Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the condition of the injured individuals and the progress of the investigation in the coming days. The police have established a dedicated hotline for anyone with information about the accident to come forward. Members of the public are encouraged to contact the police if they witnessed the incident or have any relevant information. The Transport Department is also expected to release updates on the road closures and traffic diversions as they become available.
As of now, there is no indication of any pre-existing medical condition affecting the driver, but this remains under investigation. The vehicle involved, a Mercedes-Benz, is being thoroughly examined for any mechanical faults that may have contributed to the accident. The investigation will also focus on determining whether any external factors, such as road conditions or visibility, played a role in the incident.
The next official update from the Hong Kong Police Force is expected on Monday, March 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time. This briefing will likely provide further details on the driver’s condition, the charges he faces, and the progress of the investigation. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
If you witnessed this incident or have information that could assist the investigation, please contact the Hong Kong Police Force at +852-2361-3333.
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