Tragedy in Taiwan: Driver Plows into Students at Crosswalk, Claiming Lives

A fatal accident in Sanxia, New Taipei City, during a pedestrian phase highlights road safety concerns.

A devastating incident unfolded in Sanxia, New Taipei City, Taiwan, on the afternoon of the 19th. A 78-year-old driver, identified as Mr. Yu, drove his car through a crosswalk near National Taiwan University of Arts Elementary School, striking several students. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and injuries to 12 others.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Guoguang Street and Guocheng Street. At the time of the collision, the traffic signals were in a pedestrian protection phase, with red lights for all vehicles, allowing pedestrians to cross safely. Witnesses reported that the driver disregarded the traffic signals and drove his car into the group of students.

The incident took place around 4 p.m. Mr. Yu was driving his vehicle along Guocheng Street towards Fuxing Road when, for reasons yet to be determined, he lost control of the car at the intersection. The area was crowded with students who were leaving school at the time. The crossing was in a pedestrian protection phase, with a green light for pedestrians, who were crossing the street when the car struck them.

A teacher, Ms. Zhang, who was directing traffic near the school, stated that the crosswalk was in a pedestrian phase, with the green light on for pedestrians. She witnessed the car speeding through the red light, without reducing its speed, before hitting the students. The teacher was visibly moved when speaking about the injured children.

The accident resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to twelve others. Among the casualties, nine were students from Sanxia Junior High School. The deceased included two students from the same class. The driver's vehicle continued for at least 140 meters before coming to a halt after colliding with a central median. Mr. Yu, the driver, was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.