Tragedy strikes as taxis collide at roundabout near Disneyland

Stacy Shi

A taxi driver died after his cab collided with another taxi yesterday morning near the Disneyland Resort on Lantau.

The other cabbie and three passengers - a 35-year-old woman and her two children - all sustained injuries in their limbs.

The woman's eight-year-old son also suffered serious injuries in the abdomen.

The collision occurred at about 10.52am.

The cabbie who died, Lee, 71,was driving with no passengers near the Magic Road roundabout when he allegedly lost control of his vehicle and collided with a hybrid-powered taxi in front of him.

The hybrid taxi sustained serious damages in the rear. Lee's taxi was dented in the front with a shattered windshield. Road signs and iron fences were also damaged.

Lee was found unconscious inside the vehicle and pronounced dead from multiple body injuries after he was rushed to North Lantau Hospital.

The 49-year-old driver of the other cab and his three passengers were trapped in the other vehicle and had to be rescued by firemen.

Police found a tire track about 10 meters long at the scene. Vehicle parts and a baby carriage were also scattered on the road.

Disneyland staff rushed to the scene to monitor the developments.

Police said the driver of the hybrid cab, the woman and her daughter, aged two, suffered injuries in the limbs and were taken to North Lantau Hospital in a conscious state.

The boy, eight, had serious abdomen injuries, and was later transferred from North Lantau Hospital to Princess Margaret Hospital.

It is understood that the family, from the mainland, were heading to Disneyland.

Police believed Lee failed to apply the brakes in time as he approached the roundabout and before hitting the hybrid cab.

The accident is being investigated by a special investigation team.

Police urged anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer to contact investigating officers.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com