​The Highways Department (HyD) received a report at around 11pm last night (May 16) that a broken tree branch had fallen onto Yuen Sin Road towards Tolo Highway in Tai Po, and an accident had happened with a motorcyclist travelling along the road crashing into the fallen branch. The motorcyclist was confirmed deceased after being sent to the hospital. The HyD is saddened by the incident and expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased.

     Upon receipt of the report, the HyD immediately conducted a site inspection confirming that the tree involved was an Acacia tree under its purview, and the broken branch was approximately 8 metres long with a diameter of about 0.15 metres. Based on preliminary assessment, it is believed that the branch suddenly fractured at a position with internal decay due to rain and gusting winds. The exact cause of the branch failure is subject to further detailed inspection.

     The HyD's contractor previously conducted pre-wet season routine inspections in early March and mid-April 2026, and the tree concerned was assessed as being in fair condition with no abnormalities observed. The HyD will finish inspecting all trees on the slope involved and on nearby slopes today (May 17). Should any problematic trees be identified, removal will be arranged immediately to ensure public safety.

Ends/Sunday, May 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:58

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