Driver admits causing bus crash

A bus driver admitted to having caused the deaths of six passengers and injuring 38 others in a fatal KMB crash on Fanling Highway two years ago.

Man Chi-kwong, 57, has been remanded in jail custody pending sentencing on April 28. He "sincerely apologized" to the victims and their families for causing the tragedy.

He pleaded guilty in the district court yesterday to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and a count of causing grievous bodily harm by dangerous driving.

Judge Issac Tam Sze-lok was told that according to a driver who was behind the bus, the bus was traveling at a steady speed and under the speed limit on Fanling Highway on December 18, 2019, but suddenly swerved to the left near Kwu Tung and into the railings and a tree on the side of the highway.

The prosecution said the bus was carrying 72 passengers at the time, and that after the upper deck of the bus was sliced open upon hitting the tree, two passengers were thrown out of the bus.

"Eventually, six passengers were killed and another 38 injured, of whom eight sustained serious injuries, including cervical spine fracture and head fracture," the court heard.

The prosecution also said Man told a police officer that he was trying to pick up his water bottle when the accident happened, and later told another officer that he fell asleep while driving, but remained silent after being cautioned.

However, the defense showed a video captured inside the bus, showing that Man's left hand continued moving and that he had touched his face with his right hand multiple times before the accident happened and disagreed that Man fell asleep while driving.

Man also nodded his head and opened his mouth before the crash, the defense said. The prosecution argued that Man was in fact asleep as his head was leaning forward and was also yawning.

Man, who had been a bus driver for 18 years, also said he had forgotten many details of the accident as he could only recall that he was unable to react when the accident happened, so he did not turn the wheel.

His lawyer also told the court during mitigation that Man felt "very ashamed" after the accident, and he was reluctant to go out to meet people even if he was granted bail, as he feared others knowing that he had committed such a "horrible" crime.

"Man also planned to plead guilty at a very early stage as he felt very guilty for causing so many deaths. Therefore, he will not apply for bail, as he hopes to serve his sentence as soon as possible," Man's lawyer added.

Tam adjourned the case until April 28, and Man will be remanded in prison custody until his next appearance.