The minibus driver knocked down three pedestrians before ramming a taxi stand in Sheung Shui last night

A minibus driver has died, without apparent injury, after reportedly losing control of his bus, knocking over three pedestrians and smashing into a taxi stand in Sheung Shui last night.

64-year-old Mr Lau was driving the green minibus along Wo Mun Street towards Luen Wo Hui Market just before 10pm when he reportedly lost control and knocked down three pedestrians aged 12 to 34. The bus then careened into a taxi stand, pushing it almost out of its foundations.

Lau was rushed to North District Hospital unconscious and declared dead at 11:16pm. Police say he had sustained no apparent injuries in the crash, leading to speculation he had passed out at the wheel.

The three pedestrian victims were still conscious and were taken to North District Hospital for treatment.

Last month, the Ombudsman raised the issue of Transport Department’s lax health screening for older drivers, calling for more stringent health checks for older drivers renewing licences.

“In view of the ageing population in Hong Kong and the fact that commercial vehicles, especially heavy vehicles, have a greater risk of being involved in traffic accidents and casualties, the Office considered that the Transport Department should keep pace with the times and learn from the experience of other jurisdictions in adjusting the requirements for physical fitness certification of senior drivers and professional drivers, with a view to mitigating the risk of traffic accidents caused by drivers’ health problems,” said the Ombudsman in November.

Transport Department has not responded to questions.