Tragic Tram Accident in Hong Kong Raises Safety Concerns
A recent fatal accident involving a three-year-old girl being hit by a tram in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, has sparked concerns regarding the safety of trams in the city. Experts have warned that trams pose a greater risk to pedestrians than cars due to their slower braking and longer stopping distances during emergencies.
The incident occurred as the young girl was crossing the street with her family, including her six-year-old sister, grandfather, and the family’s domestic helper. Tragically, the three-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the other family members sustained injuries. The driver of the tram has been arrested for dangerous driving causing death.
Expert Insights on Tram Safety
Lo Kok-keung, a retired engineer from Polytechnic University, emphasized the importance of pedestrians not underestimating the risks associated with trams. He explained that trams are significantly heavier than private cars or taxis, weighing up to 27 to 28 tonnes. This added weight means that trams require greater stopping distances and brake slower in emergency situations.
According to Lo, a tram traveling at just 10km/h could take nearly a second to come to a complete stop after covering an additional 1.3 meters upon braking. This delay in stopping could potentially result in a pedestrian being trapped underneath the tram due to the extended distance.
Yeh Yung-sheng, chairman of the Hong Kong Tramway Workers Union, echoed the importance of caution around tram tracks. He mentioned that trams typically operate at speeds below 40 km/h and are equipped with alarms to alert drivers when approaching this limit. Yeh highlighted the differences in friction between trams, which use metal wheels on metal tracks, and cars, which have rubber tires gripping concrete roads.
Preventative Measures and Safety Training
Yeh Yung-sheng also noted that tram drivers are required to undergo annual training sessions, including tests on fault recovery and emergency braking. This training is crucial in ensuring that drivers are prepared to handle various situations that may arise while operating trams.
While the specific details of the Kennedy Town accident were not disclosed by police, Yeh mentioned the possibility of using a black box-like system installed on trams to investigate the incident. This system could provide valuable data on the speed and actions of the tram leading up to the accident.
District councillor Timothy Lau Tin-ching highlighted the unexpected nature of the accident, as it occurred in an area not typically considered a traffic black spot. He noted that the wide road with five lanes may have presented challenges for pedestrians, especially with vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of the tram.
Previous Incidents and Safety Concerns
Unfortunately, the Kennedy Town incident is not an isolated case, as there have been several fatalities involving trams in recent years. In January 2022, a 37-year-old woman was hit by a tram in Central and passed away two days later in the hospital. Similarly, a 42-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a tram in Sheung Wan in July 2021.
In January 2018, a 79-year-old woman from mainland China suffered head injuries after being hit by a tram in Causeway Bay. While she was conscious and received treatment at the hospital, the incident underscored the potential dangers posed by trams to pedestrians.
Reflecting on a tragic event from November 2002, a 72-year-old woman lost her life after falling under a tram in Western Hong Kong. Her husband, who was also involved in the incident, suffered minor injuries but survived the ordeal. These incidents serve as sobering reminders of the risks associated with tram operations in densely populated urban areas.
Conclusion
The tragic accident in Kennedy Town has brought to light the importance of pedestrian safety around tram tracks in Hong Kong. Experts and officials have emphasized the need for caution and awareness when crossing streets near tram routes. By understanding the unique challenges posed by trams, both pedestrians and drivers can work together to prevent future accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.