Shing Mun Tunnel Bus Crash Leaves Driver in Coma, Dozens of Children Unharmed
SingTao · 5 SOURCES17 minutes ago2 MIN
Summary
A tourist bus carrying young children crashed into a tunnel wall in Shing Mun Tunnel on the afternoon of August 12, sending its 71-year-old male driver into a coma. Emergency services rushed the unconscious driver to Yan Chai Hospital while traffic police motorcycles provided an escort. All children on board were confirmed unharmed, though an adult female passenger sustained hand injuries. The incident triggered temporary single-tube two-way traffic measures in the tunnel.
Key Points
- The incident occurred at approximately 3:24 p.m. on August 12 in the Shing Mun Tunnel tube heading towards Tsuen Wan .
- The 71-year-old driver, surnamed Lam, fell into a coma shortly after entering the tunnel while the bus traveled from Sha Tin towards Tsing Yi .
- The bus, carrying 27 young children from a Fo Tan primary school and an adult female passenger, continued forward without driver control before striking the tunnel wall .
- Emergency personnel performed on-site resuscitation on the unconscious driver before transporting him to Yan Chai Hospital with traffic police motorcycle escort .
- The adult female passenger, aged 53, sustained hand injuries and was also sent to hospital by ambulance .
- The bus sustained damage to its left front section and its emergency exit door was activated during the incident .
- Transport Department implemented single-tube two-way traffic at 4:03 p.m., with the arrangement cancelled at 4:28 p.m. .
Why It Matters
This incident has reignited concerns over health screening requirements for commercial vehicle drivers aged 70 and above, as the driver reportedly underwent cardiac stent surgery several years ago but held a valid license to operate tourist buses transporting children . The government had previously proposed tightening medical examination requirements for commercial vehicle license applicants, including lowering the age threshold from 70 to 65 and implementing more frequent health checks for older drivers.
This incident has reignited concerns over health screening requirements for commercial vehicle drivers aged 70 and above, as the driver reportedly underwent cardiac stent surgery several years ago but held a valid license to operate tourist buses transporting children . The government had previously proposed tightening medical examination requirements for commercial vehicle license applicants, including lowering the age threshold from 70 to 65 and implementing more frequent health checks for older drivers.