A 22-year-old motorcyclist and his 24-year-old pillion rider died after colliding with a taxi on Nathan Road in Mong Kok.
The 27-year-old taxi driver, his 38-year-old passenger and a 69-year-old bystander sustained minor injuries.
They were taken to Kwong Wah Hospital in Yau Ma Tei for treatment.
At around 2.45am yesterday, motorcyclist Chan was traveling along Argyle Street towards Tai Kok Tsui with 24-year-old Cheung.
At the same time, 27-year-old taxi driver Yeung with his passenger Sze were driving along Nathan Road northbound towards Sham Shui Po.
"When the motorcycle approached the junction of Argyle Street and Nathan Road, it reportedly collided with the taxi," police said. "A 69-year-old man, Wong, a pedestrian, was hit by fragments from the collision."
After the collision, Chan and Cheung were both thrown off the bike and landed in front of a bank around 20 meters away. Both immediately lost consciousness.
The motorcycle slid for over 20 meters before stopping on the side of the road.
The taxi hit the sidewalk fencing after the crash and sustained serious damage to its front and side, deploying the cab's airbags.
A traffic light at the junction was also damaged by the crash.
Chan was found face down on the bank's entrance stairway with his leg abnormally bent, while Cheung landed at the side of the bank. Both were wearing helmets.
The two riders sustained multiple serious injuries and were rushed to Kwong Wah Hospital, according to police.
Cheung was certified dead at around 3.43am and Chan was pronounced dead 12 minutes later.
Cabbie Yeung and his passenger Sze suffered injuries to their limbs while pedestrian Wong sustained a face injury. All were taken to Kwong Wah Hospital for treatment.
Sources at the scene said it is suspected the motorcycle ran a red light and was hit by the taxi, which had started crossing the junction after the traffic signal turned green.
An investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, Kowloon West is underway.
Police have called on witnesses to come forward with information by calling 3661 9023.
michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com
