A truck driver has fled the scene after his vehicle crashed into roadside barriers and burst into flames on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island, with debris from the collision injuring a taxi driver and passenger travelling behind.
The incident occurred at around 3.15am on Saturday during an amber rainstorm warning. A 16-tonne truck carrying electronic parts was heading towards the airport when it crashed on the North Lantau Highway near Tung Chung Eastern Interchange.
The vehicle skidded on the wet road, hitting eight metres (26.2 feet) of barriers before sliding 30 metres and coming to rest on the shoulder, according to police.
The truck quickly caught fire, with online footage showing fierce flames and thick smoke billowing into the sky. Explosions were also heard at the scene.
Firefighters arrived about 10 minutes after the crash and confirmed no one was trapped inside.
According to the Fire Services Department, more than 50 rescue personnel, eight fire engines and three ambulances were deployed, with two hoses and two breathing apparatus teams used to extinguish the blaze by 4.23am.