Hong Kong tram derails in Shau Kei Wan overnight, smashes into restaurant; Transport Department orders probe

Why it matters

Shortly after midnight today (Oct 12), a tram travelling back to its depot derailed while negotiating a turning bend on Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, veered off the tracks, mounted the pavement and crashed into the frontage of the Heavy Taste restaurant at G/F, 132 Shau Kei Wan Main Street East. The shopfront and signage were severely damaged. No one was injured — the restaurant had closed for the night — and firefighters confirmed no one was trapped. Police received the report shortly before 1 a.m.

Restaurant operator Mr Mok told HK01 he first learned of the crash from a friend and initially suspected a prank, noting the tram line looks straight along that stretch and calling the derailment bewildering. Returning to the premises, he found the facade badly hit and a cabinet displaced inside the dining area; entrance CCTV cameras likely recorded the impact. He expects the repair bill to be substantial and plans to fix the damage at his own expense first before seeking compensation from Hong Kong Tramways, stressing the restaurant will stay open to limit losses — and expressing relief the crash happened late at night rather than during service.

The Transport Department said it is deeply concerned about the incident and that initial findings could not rule out human factors. It has instructed Hong Kong Tramways to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause and submit a report within one month, setting out the cause and practical improvement recommendations to prevent recurrence. The motorman has been suspended from duties. The department held an urgent meeting with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and Hong Kong Tramways, and a police investigation is also under way. Early reports (HK01, Sing Tao) mentioned suspected loose overhead wiring; the confirmed cause awaits the investigation.

Sources: Dimsum Daily, HK Businesswire (citing the Transport Department statement), LivinInHongKong (citing HK01, Sing Tao), Oct 12, 2026.