HKJC Allocates Funds to Accident Victims

Officials at the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced Sunday that it has established a relief fund in an amount 'not less' than HK$10 million to support those affected by a Saturday rollover bus accident that claimed the lives of 19 and injured more than 60 others. The bus had departed Sha Tin Racecourse en route to Tai Po.

“The Hong Kong Jockey Club extends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and sympathies to those affected passengers in the bus incident [Sunday],” the Club said in a statement. “In cooperation and coordination with the Hong Kong SAR Government's efforts to consolidate the relief funds, the Club has established a special relief fund…for the provision of immediate support. Each family of the deceased passengers as well as those in critical condition or seriously injured will receive an ex gratia payment of HK$200,000. Other hospitalized passengers in a stable condition will receive HK$100,000 each. The Club will work closely with the Social Welfare Department to confirm the status of each of the affected passengers as well as the transfer of the ex gratia payment via the Government's channel as soon as possible.”

South China Morning Post reported that the driver of the bus was observed to be “throwing a tantrum” after being criticized by some of the passengers for being late.

“He was late for 10 minutes,” a passenger told SCMP. “He was grumpy because some people criticised him for being late. He then started to drive the bus like he was flying a plane.”

Another passenger told the Post: “He was driving very fast, extremely fast, even if he was driving down a slope.”

SCMP reported that the driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm. He was detained for questioning by police.

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