Female Taxi Driver Sentenced to Two Years for Fatal Red-Light Accident in Wan Chai

Hong Kong – Kok Yat-sham, a 35-year-old part-time taxi driver, has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death. The incident, which occurred on January 14, 2024, resulted in the deaths of renowned plastic surgeon Ho Wai-sun and another female passenger.

The crash happened at the junction of Harbour Road and Fleming Road in Wan Chai when Kok ran a red light and collided with an oncoming bus. District Court Deputy Judge Don So Man-lung described the event as a "tragic consequence of a professional driver’s failure to obey traffic signals." Evidence showed the red light had been illuminated for 12 seconds before Kok entered the intersection.

Initially facing a three-year sentence, the judge reduced it to two years due to Kok's guilty plea. Additionally, she has had her driving license revoked for five years and must retake her driving test after the disqualification period.

The court learned that Kok was transporting passengers to North Point around 9:20 PM when the accident occurred. Despite efforts to rescue them, both passengers in the taxi suffered fatal injuries.

Kok initially claimed she thought the light was green. However, her history of prior driving offenses, including a careless driving conviction and multiple fines for traffic violations, was brought to light.

Her defense emphasized her remorse, noting that she has been struggling with guilt and depression since the accident, requiring psychiatric treatment. Kok had taken up taxi driving on weekends to support her family after her sister’s pregnancy.

In court, she expressed deep regret and apologized to the victims’ families, admitting she had "no explanation" for her actions.