HK tourist held for negligent driving after crossing lane and causing serious collision in Hokkaido

A 46-year-old Hong Kong man was arrested in Hokkaido on Wednesday after allegedly losing control of his rental car on an icy road and crashing head-on into another vehicle, leaving a Japanese driver seriously injured.

The incident occurred at around 3.50pm in Kyōwa, Hokkaido. According to Japanese media, the Hong Kong tourist was driving a rental car with three passengers when the vehicle suddenly veered across the center line on National Route 5 and collided with an oncoming car.

The 52-year-old Japanese male driver of the other vehicle sustained multiple injuries, including a fractured sternum and broken bones in his left hand. The Hong Kong man and his three passengers were unhurt.

Local police said the arrested man is a Hong Kong SAR resident visiting Hokkaido for tourism. Investigators noted that parts of the road surface were icy at the time of the crash. The man reportedly admitted to crossing the center line.

He was arrested on suspicion of “negligent driving resulting in injury” as police continue to investigate the cause of the accident.