Hong Kong van smashes through windows into lobby of residential building

A driver had a narrow escape when his light goods van crashed into the lobby of a residential building in Hong Kong on Thursday evening.

The man was driving in Yau Ma Tei when his vehicle suddenly veered off Canton Road and smashed through plate glass windows into the ground-floor lobby of the Jade Suites building around 9.40pm.

When emergency services arrived at the scene, the white van was entirely inside the lobby. The vehicle was displaying P-plates, used by holders of probationary driving licences.

The vehicle shattered glass windows and screens surrounding the lobby.

Firefighters extricated the driver from the damaged vehicle. He suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to Kwong Wah Hospital in Yau Ma Tei for treatment.

Police are investigating the case.

Probationary licence holders are subject to additional driving restrictions for a 12-month period after passing their test. They are only eligible to apply for a full licence after satisfactory completion of the probationary period.