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Following is a transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, on the traffic accident in Chai Wan Road in a media stand-up session today (November 19):
Secretary for Transport and Housing: First of all, I'm sorry to hear about this morning's accident in Shau Kei Wan, involving two buses and one taxi. I understand that there is a large number of casualties, more than 50, and up to now there are three deaths. Here I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The Transport Department, following the accident, has immediately sent people to the location to see whether there are immediate remedial measures that need to be done. We know that that spot is not a black spot at the moment.
There has been a suggestion that perhaps the driver of the bus involved is not in a good condition. But here I would like to emphasise that, under the existing requirement, bus drivers of the age of 50 and above have to undergo annual health checks to make sure that they are still fit for driving. And in case that any driver who feels physically in a poor condition, the driver should inform the bus company, and the company should make necessary arrangements to make sure that the driver driving the bus is fit for the purpose.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, November 19, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:12
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