At around 11 PM on Tuesday (10th), a taxi driver in Tsim Sha Tsui East was assaulted, resulting in injuries. The 24-year-old Mr. Tan, a taxi driver, was struck by a male passenger who was pulled from his vehicle and beaten with his fists. The criminal fled the scene. Upon arrival at the scene, police identified the incident as an assault case and are actively tracking the culprit. Mr. Tan sustained bleeding from his mouth and nose and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment. A video of the incident, which has circulated online, shows the taxi's hazard lights activated on Joint Road, near Tai Kwun Lane, where a man in a white shirt attempted to pull Mr. Tan out of the taxi but was unsuccessful. The man then struck Mr. Tan with his fists and attacked him. The video captures the forceful and violent nature of the attack.
The taxi had its hazard lights on, and during the incident, the door was opened, allowing the attacker to attempt to pull the driver out. Despite the driver's resistance, the attacker persisted in using violence, leading to a disturbing series of punches and kicks. The driver was left with little choice but to endure the assault. Police are currently investigating the case and searching for the assailant.
This incident reflects the escalating tensions and confrontations on Hong Kong's public transportation. Similar cases of verbal disputes and physical altercations occurring during rides have become increasingly frequent, often triggered by minor disagreements such as passenger behavior. Authorities are concerned about the safety of taxi drivers and are advocating for stricter measures to tackle such incidents.