A tragic incident unfolded on Des Voeux Road West yesterday morning when a tram struck four pedestrians outside the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool at approximately 10:44 a.m. A three-year-old girl was later pronounced dead, marking a heartbreaking loss for her family and the community.
Eyewitnesses reported that a 66-year-old man, surnamed Yuen, and his two granddaughters were struck and became trapped beneath the tram. The victims were crossing the road when the tram collided with them, despite the pedestrian lights showing red.
Rescue efforts were swift, with emergency responders arriving to free the family. Yuen sustained severe injuries but was conscious as he was rushed to Queen Mary Hospital. His six-year-old granddaughter was found bleeding from her head, while the three-year-old was unconscious, suffering critical injuries to her head and chest.
Despite attempts to resuscitate her, the youngest victim could not be saved. Sources indicate that rescuers worked for about half an hour to extricate her from beneath the tram.
In addition to the family, a 34-year-old Indonesian maid also suffered injuries to her waist during the incident. All four victims were transported to the hospital for medical attention.
The tram captain, a 48-year-old man surnamed Lee, has been taken in for questioning by police as the investigation into the cause of the accident continues. Hong Kong Tramways expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing that Lee has been suspended from duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Bystanders described the horrifying scene, with one passenger stating that the victims seemed to come “out of nowhere” just before the collision. Witnesses noted the urgency of the situation, especially concerning the youngest girl, who was non-responsive as rescue workers worked diligently to free her.
As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the implications of this tragic accident.
