'Car Crashes Involving HKers Should Be Publicised'

A lawmaker on Thursday urged the government to make timely announcements of serious traffic accidents on the mainland involving Hongkongers, saying the information could remind people who plan to drive across the border to be extra cautious.

Wong Kwok from the Federation of Trade Unions made the call just hours after a government spokesman confirmed media enquiries that there were two serious car crashes involving Hong Kong residents on the mainland this month.

The SAR’s Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong said it was informed by Fujian authorities that a car driven by an SAR resident had crashed. While the driver suffered minor injuries, four passengers – also from Hong Kong – died.

In the second case, two Hong Kong residents were hurt and two mainlanders were killed in a traffic accident in Yunnan Province.

Wong told an RTHK programme that Hongkongers may drive around while on the mainland, and disclosing information about serious accidents will help keep them vigilant.

“The traffic rules are different in Hong Kong and on the mainland. The driving experience in Hong Kong may not be useful on the mainland,” he said.

“It seems like there is no objective standard. Personally, I think accidents involving injuries or deaths should be announced. It’s the people’s right to know, and also they will become more aware.”