Tragedy in New Taipei: Rooftop Accident Claims Life of Elderly Man
On Thursday, a tragic accident unfolded in New Taipei City when a 67-year-old man surnamed Lu (呂) fell from the rooftop of a five-story apartment while attempting to stop his newly purchased air conditioner from falling during the installation process. He was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the hospital.
📍 Incident Overview
According to police investigations and eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred around 4:00 p.m. in a residential neighborhood where Lu lived on the fourth floor. The building’s narrow stairwell made it impossible for installers to carry the large air conditioning unit up the stairs. As a result, the workers opted to hoist the unit up to the rooftop using ropes and manual lifting equipment.
However, during the hoisting process, the air conditioner became unstable and began to slip. Lu, who was on the rooftop supervising or assisting, instinctively tried to grab the unit to stop it from falling. Unfortunately, the effort caused him to lose balance, and he fell to the ground along with the heavy machine.
Paramedics found him without a pulse at the scene and immediately rushed him to a local hospital. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead a short while later.
⚖️ Legal Consequences & Police Action
Following the incident, police questioned the four installation workers on site and referred them to prosecutors on suspicion of negligent homicide. Investigators are currently determining whether:
- The workers were properly trained for rooftop hoisting procedures.
- Appropriate safety equipment (such as harnesses or rigging gear) was used.
- The apartment management or installer company had informed Lu about potential hazards and safety precautions.
Taiwan’s labor and safety laws require specific training and safety compliance for working at heights or hoisting equipment to rooftops. If the workers were found to have failed in their duty of care, or if they lacked proper licensing, the legal consequences could be severe.
🛠️ The Bigger Picture: Rooftop Installations & Residential Safety
The accident highlights the risks associated with residential installations in densely built urban areas where many buildings have narrow staircases and no elevators. The increased need to hoist heavy appliances to rooftops or higher floors has raised concerns over:
- The lack of regulation enforcement for residential contractors.
- The absence of standardized training for part-time or freelance installers.
- Minimal public awareness among homeowners about installation risks.
The Taiwan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued multiple reminders over the years for contractors and appliance companies to prioritize safety during such jobs. Still, enforcement and compliance at the residential level often remain lax.
🧠 Expert Commentary
Wang Yi-hong (王益宏), a construction safety expert from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, told Insight Taiwan:
“This case is a tragic reminder that even household upgrades like installing an air conditioner can carry life-threatening risks if not done properly. Rooftop access and hoisting are extremely dangerous and should never be performed without secure anchoring systems and safety oversight.”
He added that more public education is needed to discourage homeowners from participating in physically risky parts of the process themselves, such as supervising or aiding from rooftops.
🧾 Conclusion
Lu’s death casts a shadow over what should have been a routine installation. It underscores the urgent need for stricter regulation, safer practices in residential construction and installation work, and greater public understanding of personal risk. Authorities must now decide whether current standards are sufficient—or whether Taiwan must adopt tighter regulations for home improvement activities that involve heights and heavy equipment.
📌 FAQs
Who was the victim in the accident?
The victim was a 67-year-old man surnamed Lu, a resident of the fourth floor in a five-story apartment building in New Taipei.
What caused the accident?
The accident occurred when Lu attempted to stop a falling air conditioner during rooftop hoisting. He lost balance and fell along with the unit.
Were the workers licensed or certified?
As of now, it’s unclear. The police are investigating the workers’ qualifications and whether safety protocols were violated.
Could the accident have been prevented?
Experts suggest that proper hoisting equipment, rooftop safety rails, and non-participation of residents could have prevented the fatality.
What are the legal implications for the workers?
They are under investigation for negligent homicide, a serious charge in Taiwan’s criminal code that may lead to imprisonment if proven.
