Tour bus accident a ‘wake up call’

DSSOPT representatives held a meeting on Saturday with occupants of the building that was struck by the out-of-control bus

Last week’s tour bus accident at Rua da Entena was one of the main topics addressed at the Legislative Assembly (AL) plenary session on Friday, with several lawmakers touching on the topic.
Chui Sai Peng said the accident should be a wake up call to the government regarding traffic congestion surrounding popular tourist sites.
“Authorities need to learn their lesson and [study] the way to ensure the security of residents and tourists,” he said. “For a long time, there has been a lot of pressure on people and vehicles in tourist areas, leading to several problems such as serious traffic jams and reduction of air quality. This results in claims from residents of a decrease in their quality of life, and a bad image of Macau for tourists.”
The legislator attributed the congestion in the area to the number of tour buses that travel there daily, and said it also presented a security risk. He added that many mainland regions also restrict heavy vehicles from entering tourist sites.
Ho Iong Sang noted that it is not the first tour bus accident to occur near the St Paul’s Ruins.  “It is regretful that the government doesn’t take this matter seriously and only says that it is not going, for the time being, to consider restricting the area of operation of  tour buses,” he said.
The same person also criticized the government’s lack of coordination in dealing with such incidents, claiming that each service “acted in its own way” and calling for a serious review of the interdepartmental emergency procedures.
The Government Information Bureau (GCS) also issued several statements about follow-
up measures, adding that “a total of 11 mainland tourists are still being treated in Kiang Wu Hospital.” These include two patients, one in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the other in a coma.
The remaining nine patients are in “a stable condition” at the hospital.
The same statement also claims that 20 of the 44 tourists involved in the accident are still in the territory, including those being treated in hospital. The nine passengers – who were either uninjured or have recovered – have remained behind to support their injured family members or seek compensation from their travel agency. According to official information, they are currently staying in a hotel arranged by the agency.
Concerns have also been extended to the building and its residents, since the crash seriously damaged one of the building’s supporting pillars.  Five of the residential units and one of the commercial sections will require repairs, said the government last Thursday.
The Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) has taken steps to reinforce the building’s structure and safety. They will draft a repair plan for the affected building within 10 days.
Six people living in the affected units have been housed at the Centre for Victims of Disaster following emergency arrangements by the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS).
The IAS also arranged hotel rooms to serve as temporary accommodation for 18 people from four families. These people are expected to be transferred to new lodgings shortly.