Traffic Cop Killed After Truck Crashes Into Him

A traffic police officer died on Thursday after he was struck by a truck while dealing with a minor traffic accident in Hung Hom.

The 5.5-tonne truck smashed into the 51-year-old officer, Senior constable Lum Hoi-wan, as he was packing away traffic cones near a footbridge by Wo Chung Street and Chatham Road North.

The officer was unconscious when he was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he died a short while later.

Police arrested the truck driver, who is in his late 50s, on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death.

The incident happened around 5am after the officer went to the spot to investigate an accident involving a car that crashed into a road sign. No one was injured in that incident.

Senior inspector Yu Hoi-fung from the West Kowloon traffic unit confirmed that Lum was not wearing a reflective vest when he was rushed to hospital.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Police Commissioner Stephen Lo have both expressed their sorrow over the fatal accident.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the family of the deceased officer, Lo said he was saddened by a colleague's passing. He said the incident shows that police officers are often subject to uncertainties and dangerous situations while conducting their duties.

He also urged motorists to be extremely cautious while behind the wheel, as negligence could gravely affect other people and their families.

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