At approximately 4:00 PM local time, a vehicle driven by a 78-year-old man, identified by his surname Yu (余), ran a red light at the intersection of Guocheng Road and Guoguang Street near Bei Da Elementary School. The car collided with three motorcycles and a bicycle before plowing into a group of pedestrians, primarily students from a nearby junior high school. The vehicle eventually came to a stop after crashing into a traffic island on Lane 132 of Fuxing Road.
🧑⚕️ Victims and Medical Response
According to local police and fire officials, three people lost their lives in the incident: two female students in their teens and a woman in her 40s. Twelve others sustained injuries, including several junior high school students and a preschooler. The injured were transported to En Chu Kong Hospital in Sanxia, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Tucheng branch), and Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in Banqiao District for treatment.
🕵️ Investigation and Driver Information
The driver, Mr. Yu, held a valid driver’s license, having passed the senior driver examination on February 20, 2025, with the license valid until February 19, 2028. He tested negative for alcohol; however, he was found unconscious at the scene and remains in a coma, preventing authorities from obtaining further information. The vehicle, a 2003 model, had its next roadworthiness inspection scheduled for September 30, 2025, and its mandatory insurance was valid until April 29, 2026.
🏛️ Government Response
In the wake of the tragedy, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) established two emergency operation centers: one at the Highway Bureau headquarters in Taipei and another at the Taipei Motor Vehicles Office. Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai canceled his scheduled appointments to personally oversee the response efforts.
President Lai Ching-te expressed profound sorrow over the incident and directed the Executive Yuan to form a task force to monitor the situation, coordinate medical resources, and assist the victims’ families. Both President Lai and Premier Cho Jung-tai visited the injured at the hospitals, urging medical staff to provide the best possible care.
📊 Broader Context and Safety Measures
This incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about pedestrian safety, especially in school zones. Taiwan has been working to improve road safety, but this tragedy highlights the need for more stringent measures, such as enhanced traffic signal systems, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and regular assessments of elderly drivers’ capabilities.
❓ FAQs
What caused the accident?
Preliminary reports indicate that the driver ran a red light during a “pedestrian protection mode,” where all directions have red signals to allow safe pedestrian crossing.
Were the traffic signals functioning properly?
Yes, the signals were in “pedestrian protection mode,” indicating all directions had red lights to ensure pedestrian safety.
Is there any indication of driver impairment?
The driver tested negative for alcohol. However, he is currently in a coma, and further assessments are pending.
What measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future?
The government is reviewing traffic safety protocols, especially around schools, and considering stricter regulations for elderly drivers.
