Tragedy in Taoyuan: Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims Lives of Four Vietnamese Nationals

Authorities in Taiwan Investigate Fatal Incident Involving Absconded Migrant Workers and Exchange Student

Taipei, Taiwan – A devastating incident has unfolded in Taoyuan, Taiwan, where four Vietnamese nationals were discovered deceased in an apartment late Saturday, May 4th. Preliminary investigations suggest the cause of death to be carbon monoxide poisoning, prompting a full investigation by local authorities.

The Taoyuan Police Department's Yangmei Precinct responded to a request around 10 p.m. on Saturday to check on the occupants of a rental unit in Yangmei District. Friends of the residents had been unable to reach them for several days, raising concerns.

Upon entering the apartment, officers found four Vietnamese nationals – two males and two females – unresponsive inside. There were no indications of a struggle or visible injuries, which initially led investigators to suspect a non-violent cause of death.

Early findings point to carbon monoxide poisoning as the likely culprit. However, to definitively confirm the cause and provide further clarity, a request for autopsies has been submitted to Taoyuan prosecutors, the department confirmed.

The deceased individuals have been identified as: a 22-year-old male surnamed Nguyễn (阮) and a 27-year-old male surnamed Trần (陳), both classified as absconded migrant workers; a 23-year-old female migrant worker surnamed Nguyễn; and a 20-year-old female exchange student surnamed Phan (潘).

According to police reports, the 22-year-old Nguyễn was discovered in the bathroom, where the hot water was still running and the doors and windows were shut. Phan was found in one bedroom, while Trần and the 23-year-old Nguyễn were located in another. Police also reported that there were no signs of forced entry or theft, which further supports the initial suspicion of accidental poisoning.

In addition to the autopsies, the police department has contacted Vietnam's representative office in Taiwan and will be reviewing surveillance video footage from the surrounding area in an effort to gather more information and piece together the events leading up to this tragic loss of life. This is a breaking story, and further details will be provided as they become available.