Taiwan Court Case Sparks Outrage: Driver's Reckless Driving Leads to Fetal Death

A 34-week-old fetus dies in a high-speed crash, yet the driver faces lenient charges, fueling public anger over the legal system.

A case in Taiwan has ignited controversy after a man, identified as 張 (Zhang), was involved in a high-speed car crash that resulted in the death of a 34-week-old fetus. The incident occurred on the 台74線 (Route 74) in Taichung, where 張 (Zhang) was driving an Audi at excessive speeds when he collided with the vehicle of 黃 (Huang) and his wife.

Due to the legal status of the unborn child, the incident was classified as a "property" loss, leading to 張 (Zhang) being charged with negligent injury. The victim's family expressed outrage, highlighting that 張 (Zhang) was driving at 168 kilometers per hour in an 80-kilometer-per-hour zone.

Surveillance footage from the scene showed extensive damage, with the victims' car severely impacted. The Audi, purchased four months prior to the incident, had its airbags deployed, indicating a significant collision force. Despite having bought a car, Zhang claimed to be earning only the minimum wage of NT$28,000. He has refused to offer an apology or any form of reconciliation with the family.

黃小姐 (Ms. Huang), the mother, stated that 張 (Zhang) had not apologized or shown any willingness to negotiate a settlement. "A life was lost, and the court only sentenced him to six months, which can be commuted to a fine of NT$180,000. The court called it a 'thing,' and who can accept that?" she questioned.

The family's lawyer, 王翼升 (Wang Yisheng), pointed out that 張 (Zhang) was driving at an extremely dangerous speed and failed to slow down after the initial impact, suggesting that he was aware of the potential for fatal consequences. 王翼升 (Wang Yisheng) argues that 張 (Zhang)'s actions should be considered attempted murder due to his reckless behavior and disregard for human life. The lawyer said that the prosecutor’s choice to only charge 張 (Zhang) with negligent injury is a matter of great regret.

王翼升 (Wang Yisheng) stated that he would request the prosecutor to appeal, expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived leniency of the sentence and 張 (Zhang)'s lack of remorse.