A disagreement over smoking inside a taxi allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation in Hong Kong, leaving a 24-year-old driver injured.
The passenger, believed to be a man in his 40s, allegedly attacked the young driver after being asked to stop smoking during the journey.
The incident has since prompted a police investigation, with officers searching for the passenger involved.
Passenger allegedly lights cigarette during taxi journey
According to Hong Kong media reports, the incident happened at around 11.35pm on Tuesday (10 November) in Kowloon City.
The taxi driver, surnamed Tam, had picked up the passenger along Sai Yeung Choi Street South and was taking him towards Kowloon City Plaza.
During the journey, the passenger allegedly started smoking inside the vehicle.
Mr Tam reportedly asked him to stop, as smoking is prohibited inside Hong Kong taxis.
However, the request allegedly led to an argument between the two men.
Footage captures alleged attack outside taxi
Video footage circulating online showed the taxi stopped along Junction Road, near Prince Edward Road West.
A man dressed in white was seen standing outside the vehicle and repeatedly striking the driver through the open area of the cab.
Several loud impacts could be heard as the confrontation unfolded.
The passenger allegedly left the scene afterwards.
Mr Tam suffered injuries to his mouth and nose, which were reportedly bleeding following the incident. He was subsequently taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for medical treatment.
Police searching for passenger after assault
Hong Kong police have classified the incident as a case of assault causing bodily harm and are attempting to locate the passenger.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Smoking inside Hong Kong taxis is prohibited under the city’s Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance.
Those caught smoking in designated no-smoking areas, including public transport, can receive a fixed penalty of HK$3,000 (approximately S$500).
Meanwhile, a person convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm under Section 39 of Hong Kong’s Offences Against the Person Ordinance can face up to three years’ imprisonment.
The incident highlights the potential for everyday disagreements to escalate into serious confrontations, particularly when people fail to respect basic rules and the safety of others.