Tourist in Hong Kong killed after cabby, 80, crashes into pillar outside hotel

A 35-year-old Filipino tourist in Hong Kong who had just checked out of his hotel died on Tuesday (Aug 5) after a taxi rammed into him.

The fatal accident occurred outside Nina Hotel in Tsuen Wan district at about 1.50pm.

Dashcam footage circulating online shows the male tourist exiting the building with his luggage in tow. Just as he walks in front of a pillar, a taxi surges forward, briefly crushing him against the structure.

The vehicle recoils from the impact and the man collapses to the ground. He is seen trying to move but soon falls motionless as staff exit the building and discover the accident.

[embed]https://www.tiktok.com/@asiaone/video/7535420483425160449[/embed]

Another photo posted on social media shows the tourist lying prone on the ground in front of the taxi with a severely deformed bonnet. The inner structure of the pillar is exposed, with broken tile pieces scattered around.

The tourist was unconscious when rushed to hospital and succumbed to his injuries the same afternoon, reported the South China Morning Post.

Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK reported that the police have identified the cabby as an 80-year-old man, who claimed he "felt dizzy" and lost control of the vehicle when entering the pickup and drop-off area of the hotel.

The elderly taxi driver reportedly suffered chest pain as well as head and hand injuries and was conscious when taken to the hospital.

Police have arrested him for suspected dangerous driving causing death, according to RTHK.

[[nid:720977]]

lim.kewei@asiaone.com