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When a Hong Kong Lunar New Year parade turned deadly in 1997 as a driver ploughed float into the crowd, killing a tourist

In February 1997, a parade float whose driver was incapacitated by carbon monoxide veered off course in Tsim Sha Tsui, injuring 31 and killing a British tourist

Hong Kong authorities ensured floats at the following year’s Lunar New Year parade had standby drivers and better ventilation

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Police and bystanders try to free victims trapped after a Lunar New Year parade float ran into the crowd in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, on February 7, 1997. The driver was apparently overcome by carbon monoxide. A British tourist was killed and dozens of people injured. Photo: Dustin Shum

Published: 11:15am, 9 Feb 2024Updated: 3:53pm, 9 Feb 2024

“Traffic police will today begin a detailed inquiry into how a float in a Lunar New Year parade careered into a Tsim Sha Tsui crowd, killing a tourist and injuring 31 people,” reported the South China Morning Post on February 9, 1997.

“The Hong Kong Tourist Association, which organised Friday’s parade [February 7, 1997] to provide holiday entertainment for foreign visitors, and float sponsors the Better Hong Kong Foundation, held meetings yesterday to see how they could assist the inquiry.

“Police investigators are checking how the driver of the float was apparently overcome by carbon monoxide. A Queen Elizabeth Hospital spokesman said victims saw the driver slumped over the wheel of his modified goods vehicle as it veered off Salisbury Road, near the junction with Middle Road, and ran into them.”

A day later, the Post reported that the parents of the British tourist crushed to death in a Lunar New Year parade had “accused the Hong Kong Tourist Association yesterday of ignoring their grief”.

Emergency crews attend to a victim of the accident which happened when a Lunar New Year parade float (left) careered into the crowd in Tsim Sha Tsui in February 1997. Photo: Dustin Shum

“Fred and Gertrude Stevens, both in their 70s, said they were sad not to have received any direct contact from the territory since their daughter Brenda was killed on Friday.

“The couple learned of her death from police in their hometown of Brompton in North Yorkshire, England. Ms Stevens, 45, died from head injuries when a float [ …] ploughed into spectators at the parade.