Hong Kong police arrest 71-year-old taxi driver over alleged hit-and-run; victim in a critical condition

The victim, who had suffered head injuries and was unconscious, was taken to Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam, where he underwent surgery. As of midday, he was listed as being in a critical condition.

Several hours later, police arrested a 71-year-old taxi driver in connection with the hit-and-run after officers from Hong Kong Island’s traffic unit located him at his Chai Wan flat.

The source said officers also found his taxi parked near his home, and the vehicle had minor damage to its front.

According to the force, the taxi driver was detained on suspicion of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.

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He was the second driver to be arrested by police over the same offence within hours.

At around 8.40am, a truck hit a 75-year-old man on Austin Road near the junction with Shanghai Street in Yau Ma Tei in another accident.

The elderly victim suffered serious head injuries and was taken unconscious to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei.

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Police arrested the truck driver, 57, on suspicion of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.

The city recorded a rise in fatalities resulting from road traffic accidents last year.

Police figures show the number of people killed in traffic accidents rose to 98 last year from 89 in 2022. The number of fatal traffic accidents increased to 98 in 2023 from 90 the year before.