Taxi driver carrying four passengers passes out while driving in Hong Kong, taken to hospital in critical condition

Four passengers were in a taxi when its 66-year-old driver lost consciousness while driving in Hong Kong, prompting two of them to take control of the vehicle as newly surfaced dashcam footage captured their efforts to bring it to a stop.

The incident happened at about noon on 28 September as the taxi was travelling eastbound along Ching Cheung Road towards Kwun Tong, near Nob Hill Square, according to police.

Police said the driver suddenly became unconscious, leaving the taxi without control and causing it to veer from side to side for about 30 seconds.

Passengers attempt to stop taxi

The dashcam footage shows the driver wearing sunglasses with his head slumped forward and appearing unresponsive.

As the taxi began drifting, the male passenger in the front seat attempted to wake the driver by patting his arm. A female passenger repeatedly tapped the driver's face in an effort to rouse him.

When the driver remained unresponsive, two passengers took hold of the steering wheel to guide the taxi.

At the same time, a female passenger in the back seat leaned forward and pulled the emergency brake.

Taxi stops against roadside barrier

The passengers managed to steer the taxi towards the roadside, where it scraped along a concrete barrier before coming to a stop.

The vehicle's front-right tyre was blown out in the incident.

All four passengers then got out of the taxi and sought assistance. None of them were injured.

Police officers later helped the group hail another taxi so they could continue their journey.

The driver was taken by ambulance to Caritas Medical Centre. He remained in critical condition as of 30 September, with police continuing to investigate the incident.