Police are investigating a Central traffic accident in which a 13-year-old girl died and 32 people were injured.

About 4.15pm today, a coach driven by a 33-year-old man was travelling downhill on Garden Road. The driver apparently lost control of the coach and it rammed into five taxis and three cars when approaching a traffic lightpost.

The coach then smashed into a safety island where it hit the girl, and stopped at the Central Government Office's entrance at Lower Albert Road.

 
The girl died at the scene. Fourteen men and 18 women aged 13 to 87 were injured and sent to Queen Mary Hospital, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and Ruttonjee Hospital.

The coach driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death. Witnesses should call 3106 8800.