Police said a motorcyclist died following a late-night crash on Saturday after his vehicle hit a fallen tree branch in Tai Po.

Authorities reported receiving an emergency call at around 10.30pm.

The 38-year-old motorcyclist was travelling along Yuen Shin Road towards Sha Tin when, approaching Tolo Highway, the motorcycle reportedly failed to brake in time and crashed into a tree branch that had fallen onto the roadside.

The man sustained head injuries and was rushed unconscious to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police said an investigation by the Special Investigation Team 2 of Traffic in New Territories North is underway.

According to the Highways Department, it received a report at around 11pm on Saturday that a broken branch had fallen onto Yuen Shin Road where the accident occurred.

The department conducted a site inspection and identified the tree involved as an Acacia tree under its purview.

The broken branch measured about 8 metres long and had a diameter of roughly 0.15 metres.

The department said based on a preliminary assessment, the branch suddenly fractured at a spot where internal decay had set in, likely aggravated by rain and gusty winds.

The department added that its contractor had carried out routine inspections in March and April, during which the tree was assessed to be in fair condition with no visible abnormalities.

Officials expect to complete inspections of all trees on slopes in the area by Sunday.


Edited by Edmond Fong