Hong Kong clerk says normal life ‘ended’ after taxi hit her during 2019 protest

A Hong Kong kindergarten clerk testified in court that her life has never returned to normal since she was seriously injured by a taxi during the 2019 anti-government protests. Park Hoi-lam, who suffers from ongoing mobility issues, extensive leg scarring, and the potential need for future knee replacement surgery, described the incident as the turning point that ended her ability to live a regular life. The case, currently before the High Court, involves a dispute over liability following the collision that occurred on October 6, 2019, in Sham Shui Po. According to Park's legal representatives, the taxi driver, Henry Cheng Kwok-chuen, was found to have been negligent in failing to take appropriate action to avoid hitting the plaintiff. Park’s lawyer, Susanna Leong, stated that Cheng did not sound his horn or attempt to brake before the vehicle struck her and another woman on Yen Chow Street. This lack of response, she argued, demonstrated a failure to exercise due care under the circumstances. The incident unfolded during a demonstration, which had become increasingly volatile as tensions escalated over the government’s handling of public order. Cheng’s defense team, however, maintained that the driver lost control of the vehicle after being surrounded and attacked by protesters. They emphasized that the situation was chaotic and that Cheng could not have reasonably anticipated the actions of the demonstrators. Despite this, the prosecution contends that the driver’s actions were directly responsible for the collision, regardless of external factors. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the safety of individuals participating in large-scale demonstrations and the responsibilities of drivers in such environments. Park’s injuries have left her with long-term physical challenges, including chronic pain and limited mobility. Her condition has required medical attention and ongoing treatment, with doctors indicating that she may eventually require surgical intervention to address complications arising from the trauma. Legal experts have noted that cases involving collisions during protests often hinge on whether the driver acted negligently or whether external pressures contributed to the loss of control. In this instance, the court will need to determine whether Cheng’s actions met the standard of care expected of a driver in similar situations. The stakes are high, with the plaintiff seeking compensation of at least HK$8.4 million, equivalent to approximately US$1.07 million. The trial has also brought renewed attention to the emotional and psychological toll of such incidents on victims. Park has expressed frustration over the prolonged recovery process and the impact on her personal and professional life. She has described the experience as deeply traumatic, with lasting effects beyond the physical injuries sustained. As the case proceeds, both sides continue to present their arguments. The prosecution maintains that Cheng’s behavior was reckless and that the collision was preventable. Meanwhile, the defense argues that the context of the protest made it impossible to predict or avoid the incident. With the court yet to deliver its verdict, the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases involving road accidents during public demonstrations. The final determination will depend on the evidence presented and the interpretation of applicable laws governing driver responsibility in complex urban settings.