Tour Bus Driver Dies After Collapsing in City Tunnel; Son Recalls Normal Dim Sum Days Earlier
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A tour bus driver died on June 12 after collapsing at the wheel and crashing into the barrier inside the City Tunnel. The 70-year-old driver, who had a history of heart problems and underwent angioplasty before COVID-19, was transporting 47 schoolchildren home from a Fo Tan primary school when the incident occurred. His eldest son said he had met his father for dim sum just days earlier with no signs of ill health. The government has proposed tightening medical check requirements for commercial vehicle drivers aged 65 and above.
Key Points
- The incident occurred at 3:24 PM on June 12 inside the City Tunnel on the Sha Tin to Tsuen Wan direction, with reports of the driver suddenly fainting .
- The driver was sent to Yan Chai Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:13 PM despite resuscitation efforts .
- Forty-seven young children on board were unharmed, while a female escort in her 50s sustained hand injuries .
- The bus was operating a Tsing Yi route, transporting students from a Fo Tan primary school that had resumed classes after summer vacation .
- The deceased's eldest son said his father had undergone heart surgery (angioplasty) before the pandemic and recently took up bus driving after friends recommended the "relaxing" job .
Why It Matters
This incident has reignited concerns about the health monitoring of elderly commercial vehicle drivers in Hong Kong. The government has recently submitted proposals to the Legislative Council to lower the age threshold for mandatory medical examinations from 70 to 65 and implement stricter annual check requirements .
This incident has reignited concerns about the health monitoring of elderly commercial vehicle drivers in Hong Kong. The government has recently submitted proposals to the Legislative Council to lower the age threshold for mandatory medical examinations from 70 to 65 and implement stricter annual check requirements .