Australian arrested after fatal Hong Kong taxi smash

By China correspondent Stephen McDonell

An Australian has been arrested in Hong Kong after the taxi he was in crashed and the driver died.

According to local media reports, Kelsey Michael Mudd was a passenger in a Hong Kong taxi when he had a dispute with his driver in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Sunday Morning Post says the car then smashed into three other taxis travelling in the opposite direction. The taxi driver later died in hospital.

Reports also say the 22-year-old tried to drive off in the car, then hit another taxi.

He has reportedly been arrested initially on suspicion of taking a vehicle without authority and drink driving.

But following the death of the taxi driver, he could face more serious charges.

The Department of Foreign Affairs says consular staff in Hong Kong are trying to contact Mr Mudd to offer him assistance.

A spokeswoman for the department says it is also offering support for the man's family.