KWUN TONG, HONG KONG—A 63-year-old taxi driver was arrested this morning following a fatal traffic accident on Choi Ha Road that left one pedestrian dead and another seriously injured. The incident occurred during the busy morning commute when the taxi reportedly lost control and mounted the pavement, striking two individuals who were walking along the sidewalk. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deceased has been identified as a 54-year-old male, while the second victim, a 48-year-old woman, was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in critical condition. Paramedics worked for nearly twenty minutes to stabilize her before transport, as she had sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries. The taxi driver remained at the location and was immediately detained by police for questioning regarding his conduct and the mechanical state of the vehicle.

Witnesses at the scene described a sudden screech of tires followed by a loud impact as the vehicle crashed through a metal railing. Debris from the taxi and the damaged infrastructure was scattered across a wide area, forcing the temporary closure of all westbound lanes on Choi Ha Road. Traffic investigators from the Kowloon East regional unit have spent several hours mapping the skid marks and collecting evidence to determine the vehicle’s speed.

The driver underwent a breathalyzer test at the scene, which reportedly showed no signs of alcohol consumption. However, he was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death, a charge that carries significant prison time in Hong Kong. Investigators are now looking into other factors, such as driver fatigue, mechanical failure of the braking system, or a potential medical episode that may have caused him to lose control.

Local residents have long raised concerns about the traffic conditions on Choi Ha Road, citing it as a high-risk area for pedestrians due to the speed of passing vehicles. The Transport Department has been urged to review the safety measures in place, including the strength of the railings and the visibility of pedestrian crossings. Today’s fatality has reignited these calls for urgent infrastructure improvements in the Kwun Tong district.

The taxi has been towed to a government vehicle pound for a thorough mechanical examination by specialists. This inspection will verify if there were any pre-existing faults with the steering or acceleration mechanisms that could have contributed to the tragedy. The driver's history with the taxi firm is also being reviewed to see if there were any previous complaints or accidents on his professional record.

The victim's family was notified by police liaison officers and are currently receiving assistance from social workers. The second victim remains in the intensive care unit, where surgeons are working to treat her life-threatening injuries. The community has expressed deep shock over the incident, with flowers being placed near the site of the crash as a gesture of mourning for the deceased.

Currently, the taxi driver remains in police custody while the investigation continues into the exact circumstances of the collision. He is expected to be charged in the coming days as the police prepare their evidence for the magistrate’s court. Choi Ha Road has since been reopened to traffic, although a heavy police presence remains in the area as specialized teams finalize the forensic reconstruction of the crash.

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