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The impact, however, did not stop the van. Continuing down the road, it knocked over a bollard light and damaged three water-filled barriers, before cutting into the opposite lane, running over a two-metre fence and mounting the pavement. It finally came to a stop after hitting a concrete staircase leading to Yau Tong MTR station.
One of the victims, a 53-year-old man, later succumbed to multiple injuries and was certified dead in hospital at 3.24pm the same day. His 46-year-old colleague sustained abrasions and complained of dizziness.
Under caution, he told police he hit the first car because the steering wheel had locked and the van’s brakes were faulty. He then lost control of the vehicle as the engine stalled, causing the van to mount the pavement, while leaving him with little time to sound a warning.
But investigators examined the van and found it operational, with the steering wheel and brakes all working.
Last month, Wong pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and another count for causing death, an offence punishable by 10 years in prison.
In mitigation, defence counsel Lawrence Hui said his client had an excellent driving record and the conviction was a blow to Wong and his family, who described him as a helpful man with a good character.
The court heard he first began working as a driving instructor in 1973 and had lost his income since the accident, relying on the government’s old age allowance.
In sentencing, the judge said Wong’s explanation for the accident was not credible. Instead, he believed Wong had accidentally knocked the gear stick and set the vehicle in motion as he climbed over the console.
Sham also noted Wong had multiple opportunities to correct course in the 26 seconds before the van stopped at the bottom of the slope, but had instead panicked and made a series of wrong decisions, contrary to what one would expect of an experienced driver.
For instance, Wong should not have driven away after hitting the first car, which could have stopped his van from plunging downslope. He could also have turned his car into the many water-filled barriers lining the adjacent lane to avoid the pedestrians on the traffic island.
“This tragedy could have been avoided,” the judge said.
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