A driver has been arrested after his minibus plowed into an empty police car, killing one passenger and injuring eight.
The green minibus, full at the time, was travelling along Tolo Highway toward Sheung Shui yesterday about 2am when the crash happened at the junction of Fanling Highway near Hong Lok Yuen.
The police cruiser was parked at the side of the highway as officers directed traffic around a New Territories taxi that broke down in the slow lane heading toward Sheung Shui.
The 24-year-old minibus driver, surnamed Lau, was not hurt but was arrested for dangerous driving causing death.
He was later released on police bail and told to report back early next month.
Lau said he was distracted by a strong blinking light and questioned whether he had been photographed breaking a traffic rule.
The victim was a 58-year-old man named Tam who was sitting in the second single seat. As he was not wearing a safety belt, he was thrown forward, his left eye striking the door handle.
Tam was certified dead at the Prince of Wales Hospital.
The injured - five men and three women aged 16 to 58 - were sent to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole and Prince of Wales hospitals.
All but a 16-year-old girl were discharged later.
She was admitted in a stable condition.
