2003 Tuen Mun Road bus accident
| Industry | Public transportation |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
| Products | Bus services |
On the morning of 10 July 2003, a Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) Neoplan Centroliner double-decker operating on route 265M plunged off a bridge near the Ting Kau segment of Tuen Mun Road in Tsuen Wan, New Territories. This tragic event caused 21 deaths and left 20 injured, making it the most fatal traffic accident in Hong Kong's history.
Collision
Between 06:15 and 06:30 HKT, the KMB bus set off from Lai Yiu Estate, Kwai Chung, heading toward Tin Heng Estate, Tin Shui Wai. Near the intersection with Tsing Long Highway, a lorry traveling in the center lane lost control and struck the bus. The force of the collision pushed the bus through the viaduct’s parapet, resulting in a fall of roughly into Ting Kau Village below. The driver and 18 passengers lost their lives at the scene.
Rescue efforts
Emergency response teams faced significant challenges, comparable to those during the Garley Building fire, due to the remote hillside location lacking direct road access and the high number of critically injured victims. Two more passengers succumbed after hospital admission, bringing fatalities to 21 and injuries to 20. The wrecked bus was subsequently retrieved from Tuen Mun Road, moved to the Siu Ho Wan vehicle depot, and declared a total loss.
Drivers
The KMB bus operator, Chan Wan-lin, aged 41, had been employed for six years with an exemplary driving history and was well-acquainted with route 265M. Investigations excluded driver fatigue as a cause since Chan had taken leave two days before and the incident happened early in his shift. He is survived by his spouse and two children.
The lorry driver, Li Chau-wing, aged 53, had recorded three traffic offenses between 2002 and the crash date. At impact time, he was maneuvering in the middle lane and stated he took evasive measures due to other vehicles cutting in front of him. Between the accident and his trial, Li accumulated two further traffic violations.
Official reactions
Then-Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa visited the scene, assuring support for victims’ families, a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, and measures to prevent future occurrences.
Li Chau-wing initially received an 18-month sentence for causing death by dangerous driving—representing Hong Kong's most severe road traffic conviction—though this was later downgraded to careless driving after vehicle defects were identified. His punishment was reduced to five months imprisonment accompanied by a two-year driving disqualification.
Following involvement of several educators from Tin Shui Wai, the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union initiated a charitable fundraising campaign that amassed over by September 2007.
See also
- Bus services in Hong Kong
- Transport in Hong Kong
- 2008 Sai Kung bus crash
- 2018 Hong Kong bus accident
- 2018 Chongqing bus crash