Tragic scene: Chief Executive Donald Tsang (centre) inspects the accident site in Sai Kung.

Eighteen people died and 44 others were injured when a tour bus overturned in Sai Kung this morning.

The bus was travelling on Nam Pin Wai Road when the accident occurred at the Ho Chung roundabout at about 9am.

There were 62 people - ranging in age from two to 85 years - onboard the bus, including the 32-year-old bus driver. Seven male passengers, 40 female passengers and the driver were sent to hospital with injuries.

Twelve patients are in critical condition, nine are serious, 18 are stable/satisfactory, and five were discharged.

Another 14 female passengers were certified dead at the scene and four female passengers were later certified dead in hospitals.

The driver, who has 10 years driving experience, was arrested for dangerous driving causing death.

Police have set up three hotlines: 2305 7537, 2305 7548, and 9022 0060. Anyone who has any information is urged to contact the Police at 2305 7500 or 2305 7537.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng inspected the accident site. They expressed their deepest condolences to the deceased, the injured and their families.

Mr Tsang said the Home Affairs Department and the Social Welfare Department will provide assistance to the injured and the deceased's families if necessary.

Eva Cheng told the media the scene in Sai Kung is not an accident blacksite and the Police will conduct a thorough investigation.

Secretary of Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung also visited the injured in the Tseung Kwan O, United Christian and Prince of Wales Hospitals.

He said the Government will provide assistance to the families of the victims including emotional support, counseling and assistance with the burial arrangements.

Financial assistance, counselling available

The Home Affairs Department has set up help desks outside the casualty rooms of Tseung Kwan O Hospital (2208 0299), Kwong Wah Hospital (3517 7008), United Christian Hospital (3513 4122), Queen Elizabeth Hospital (2782 7907) and Prince of Wales Hospital (2632 1777). 

The department has set up two hotlines, 2208 0299 and 3513 4122, and the injured and deceaseds' families can apply for financial assistance from the General Chinese Charities Fund.

The Social Welfare Department is provided counselling services to those who need them, in hospitals and mortuaries, and set up a hotline, 2343 2255.

During the rescue operation, the Fire Services Department deployed 200 staff, 14 fire services vehicles and 33 ambulances and the Police sent 139 officers.