In a terrifying incident on Sunday morning, a semi-trailer truck experiencing apparent brake failure barreled into a queue of over 20 vehicles stopped at a busy intersection in Taichung’s Shalu District, leaving nine people injured and causing significant damage.
According to the Taichung Fire Bureau, the accident was reported at around 10:13 a.m. at the intersection of Xiangshan Road Section 7 and Pingxi Road — a location known for heavy weekend traffic. Emergency services swiftly dispatched eight fire trucks and five ambulances to the scene.
What Happened?
Preliminary investigations suggest that the semi-truck, driven by a 25-year-old man surnamed Hsieh (謝), was traveling northbound on Xiangshan Road Section 6 when its brakes failed. Unable to slow down, the massive vehicle plowed into stationary traffic waiting at a red light near Pingxi Road.
In total, the semi-truck struck:
- At least 10 cars
- 11 motorcycles
- 1 bicycle
Nine people sustained injuries, primarily cuts, bruises, and soft tissue damage, but thankfully all were conscious when transported to the Kuang Tien General Hospital’s Xiangshan branch.
Visuals From the Scene
Photos and videos circulating on social media showed a scene of chaos: crushed cars stacked against each other, motorcycles thrown meters away, and roadside trees uprooted. Debris from the truck’s freight and vehicle parts were scattered widely across the intersection, highlighting the force of the impact.
The size and speed of the semi-truck left many smaller vehicles almost unrecognizable, while witnesses described the sound of the crash as “an explosion” and “earth-shaking.”
Driver Status and Police Investigation
Police confirmed that the driver tested negative for alcohol. However, the exact mechanical failure is still under investigation. Authorities are now inspecting the truck’s maintenance records to determine if there was negligence by the vehicle owner or the logistics company responsible for its upkeep.
Legal experts note that if negligence is found (for example, failure to properly maintain the brake system), the company could face heavy civil compensation claims in addition to criminal liabilities for endangering public safety.
Ongoing Traffic Disruptions
Due to the extensive wreckage, northbound lanes on Xiangshan Road were redirected to Xitun Road for the rest of the day, causing heavy congestion in surrounding areas. Local police have urged drivers to avoid the Shalu District if possible until cleanup and preliminary investigations are completed.
Why This Accident Matters
This incident has reignited public concerns over heavy vehicle maintenance standards in Taiwan, especially after a series of brake failure accidents in recent years involving large trucks.
Experts are calling for:
- Stricter periodic inspections
- Harsher penalties for maintenance violations
- Real-time vehicle health monitoring systems for commercial transport fleets.
Legislators are reportedly considering introducing amendments to Taiwan’s Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act to impose more severe sanctions on transport operators who fail to properly maintain safety-critical systems like brakes.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) is also under pressure to mandate black box-style event data recorders on all heavy vehicles to better analyze crash causes and improve road safety standards.
FAQs
What caused the Taichung semi-truck crash?
The preliminary investigation points to brake failure as the likely cause. A mechanical inspection is underway to confirm this.
How many people were injured?
Nine people were injured, mostly suffering from cuts, bruises, and non-life-threatening injuries.
Was the truck driver intoxicated?
No, the 25-year-old driver tested negative for alcohol.
What actions are being taken following the crash?
Authorities are investigating the truck’s maintenance records, and northbound traffic on Xiangshan Road has been redirected.
What might happen to the truck owner if negligence is found?
If proven, the truck owner or company could face civil lawsuits, criminal charges, and financial penalties.
