In a tragic and deeply disturbing incident that shook the Sanxia District of New Taipei City, a 78-year-old man surnamed Yu (余) deliberately drove his car into a group of pedestrians on May 19, 2025, near Bei Da Elementary School. The horrifying act left three people dead and 12 others injured. After 12 days in the hospital, Yu succumbed to multiple organ failure.
The case, now officially classified as intentional vehicular homicide, was confirmed by the Sanxia Precinct of the New Taipei City Police Department after an exhaustive investigation. Despite the death of the suspect, police handed the case over to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office due to legal procedural requirements under Taiwan’s criminal justice system.
🔍 Evidence of Intent
Police reported that surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, and detailed forensic analysis provided compelling evidence that Yu’s actions were premeditated. Key findings include:
- High speed through a designated school zone.
- Absence of brake marks, indicating no attempt to stop or avoid the crowd.
- Collision with a concrete barrier, suggesting full commitment to the act.
Authorities formed a dedicated task force for the investigation, employing forensic mapping and vehicle reconstruction to simulate and understand Yu’s trajectory and decision-making.
⚖️ Legal Ramifications
Although Yu is deceased, the case must still undergo formal prosecutorial procedures due to the stipulations under Taiwan’s Code of Criminal Procedure. The law requires the judiciary to issue a non-prosecution decision when a suspect dies before a trial or indictment. However, this does not end the case entirely — victims can still pursue civil compensation from Yu’s estate or heirs.
👪 Government Response
In response to the tragedy, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) announced a coordinated support mechanism involving the city’s Legal Affairs, Education, and Social Welfare departments. Their goals:
- Assist the families in navigating the legal landscape.
- Provide psychological counseling and social support for the bereaved.
- Offer legal aid to claim possible damages.
🧠 Mental Health Angle & Elderly Driving Debate
While no formal diagnosis or motive has been publicly disclosed, this incident revives debate around elderly drivers’ fitness, mental health awareness, and vehicular control policies for senior citizens. Taiwan currently lacks stringent re-evaluation mechanisms for elderly driver’s licenses, despite global trends showing that aging populations pose unique challenges in traffic safety.
🔎 Unique Insights & Commentary
This tragedy reveals deeper systemic issues:
- Lack of early mental health detection in elderly individuals who may show signs of emotional distress or cognitive decline.
- Policy gaps in how senior drivers are evaluated and regulated.
- Increased need for surveillance and safety measures in school zones, especially during peak hours.
Furthermore, it highlights Taiwan’s emphasis on due process even in tragic and complex cases, ensuring that justice is considered from all legal angles — including posthumous responsibility.
❓ FAQs
What happened in New Taipei on May 19?
A 78-year-old man intentionally drove into pedestrians in Sanxia District, killing three and injuring 12 others.
Was the crash an accident or deliberate?
Investigations confirm it was a deliberate act, as evidenced by the absence of braking and high speed in a school zone.
What will happen to the case since the suspect is deceased?
Prosecutors will issue a non-prosecution decision as required by law, but civil lawsuits against his estate are still possible.
Will there be policy changes regarding elderly drivers in Taiwan?
While no new laws have been announced, the incident has reignited discussions on evaluating elderly drivers more strictly.
What support is the city offering?
A joint department task force is offering legal aid, psychological support, and assistance in filing civil claims.
