A 46-year-old Hong Kong tourist was arrested in Japan after his rental car veered on a frozen highway in Kyowa, Hokkaido, colliding with another vehicle and injuring the 52-year-old Japanese driver. Hong Kong's Immigration Department has received a request for assistance and is coordinating with the Chinese consulate in Sapporo to support the man's family.
On Wednesday around 3:50pm, a 46-year-old Hong Kong tourist driving a rental car veered across the center line on a frozen highway in Kyowa, Hokkaido, colliding with another vehicle. The 52-year-old Japanese driver suffered sternum and left wrist fractures and was hospitalized, while the Hong Kong driver and his three passengers were uninjured.
Japanese police arrested the man on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in injury, and he admitted to the charge during questioning, according to local reports. The incident highlights risks on icy roads in Hokkaido during winter.
Hong Kong's Immigration Department confirmed on Thursday that it had received a request for help in the case and immediately contacted the foreign ministry's office in Hong Kong and the Chinese consulate in Sapporo for updates. “The Immigration Department has provided appropriate advice and feasible help based on the wishes of the resident’s family,” a spokesman said. The department will maintain close contact with the foreign ministry’s office, the consulate, and the man’s family to follow up on the case.
This event underscores the importance of cautious driving for Hong Kong tourists abroad, especially in Hokkaido's winter conditions prone to slippery roads and accidents. The Immigration Department stressed ongoing consular support as needed.