Hong Kong Traffic Accident: At least 19 killed and 60 injured in bus flip-over

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A bus crash in Hong Kong has killed at least 19 and injured dozens more. It happened late Saturday when a double-decker bus reportedly lost control on a major highway. The 30-year-old driver has been arrested for dangerous driving. Mao Dan filed this report from Hong Kong.

The passengers were on their way home after a day at the horseraces.

A witness said the bus driver was going fast at the time of the incident. The double decker reportedly lost control and flipped over. Many died at the scene while dozens of others were rushed to hospitals.

MAO DAN HONG KONG "The bus had been on its way from Shatin racecourse to Tai Po. It flipped over when passing a road bend, causing severe damage to the bus and the most serious bus accident in 10 years."

The incident sparked a full-scale emergency operation. Authorities had to cut through the bus to reach trapped passengers. Dozens of police officers and firefighters helped survivors while paramedics set up a triage center along the road.

CHAN SHEUNG YUEN DISTRICT SURVEY OFFICER "In this rescue operation, we have deployed 36 ambulances, one mobile casualty treatment center, one medical equipment vehicle, and three first-aid medical motorcycles. In response to the large number of casualties, we also asked the hospital authorities to send two support rescue teams."

The exact cause of the crash was not clear, but police have arrested the driver.

LI CHI WAI SENIOR POLICE SUPERINTENDENT "The police will investigate the driver's psychological state at the time of the accident, the speed the bus was traveling, and whether the vehicle had any mechanical problems."

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam visited victims in the hospital and announced the government would set up an independent committee, chaired by a judge, to investigate bus safety.

CARRIE LAM HONG KONG CHIEF EXECUTIVE "We will set up an emergency support desk to provide help like financial assistance, physiological counselling or for victims trying to contact relatives."

The bus company said it will give about 10-thousand dollars in financial assistance to each family and will help them claim insurance. Mao Dan, for CGTN, HK.