Senior judge Michael Lunn to head safety inquiry after deadly Hong Kong bus crash

Independent panel, to start work this month, expected to hand in report on bus safety and management issues within nine months in light of accident that killed 19

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The bus suddenly swerved before flipping on its side. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 1:06pm, 13 Mar 2018Updated: 10:52pm, 13 Mar 2018

A High Court judge in Hong Kong who previously led an inquiry into the Lamma ferry disaster of 2012 will lead an independent review of bus safety and management issues in the wake of the city’s deadliest bus crash in more than a decade.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced on Tuesday the appointment of Mr Justice Michael Lunn, vice-president of the Court of Appeal, along with two others to an independent review committee which will start work later this month. The panel is expected to hand in a report within nine months.

Mr Justice Michael Lunn will head the review committee. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Just days before the Lunar New Year in February, a KMB double-decker was travelling from Sha Tin racecourse towards Tai Po when it suddenly swerved out of control and flipped on its side, killing 19 people and injuring more than 67 others.

Eight of those injured were still in hospital on Tuesday, one in serious condition.

“The purpose and objective of this independent review committee is to ensure the safety and reliability of Hong Kong’s franchised bus services,” Lam said.