Two Bus Drivers Released on Bail After Fatal Collision in Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan – Two bus drivers involved in a fatal collision in Taipei on Sunday, which left a pedestrian dead, have been released on bail after being questioned by prosecutors on suspicion of negligent homicide. The tragic incident, which took place in the Zhongzheng District near the Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel, has raised concerns about road safety and the qualifications of bus drivers in the city.
Fatal Bus Accident and Immediate Aftermath
The collision occurred around 9 a.m. when a Route 49 city bus driven by a 54-year-old man surnamed Chen (陳) made a right turn from Zhongxiao East Road onto Zhenjiang Street. The bus stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street. As the first bus halted, a second bus, a Route 312 city bus driven by a 23-year-old woman named Hsieh (謝), rear-ended the stationary bus.
The force of the crash caused the first bus to lurch forward, striking a 50-year-old female pedestrian and a taxi that was stopped at a red light. The pedestrian, who was trapped under the bus, later succumbed to her injuries at National Taiwan University Hospital. Fifteen other individuals, including passengers on both buses and the taxi driver, sustained injuries. Among the injured were eight Thai tourists, all of whom suffered minor injuries and were discharged from the hospital.
Bail and Investigation Details
Following the accident, both drivers were taken in for questioning. Chen, the driver of the first bus, and Hsieh, the driver of the second bus, were both released on bail. Hsieh’s bail was set at NT$300,000 (approximately US$9,227), while Chen’s bail was set at NT$100,000.
Both drivers were tested for alcohol consumption immediately after the accident, with results showing a zero blood alcohol concentration for both individuals. Additionally, Hsieh, who had only obtained her bus driving license in January 2024, had no prior traffic violations on record, although there was one incident involving her vehicle in August 2024.
Key Details of the Incident
Accident Sequence:
- Route 49 Bus (Chen) stops to allow pedestrians to cross the street.
- Route 312 Bus (Hsieh) rear-ends the first bus, causing it to hit the pedestrian and a taxi.
- Pedestrian (50-year-old woman) trapped under the bus, later dies at the hospital.
- 15 others injured, including passengers and eight Thai tourists.
- Bail Set for both drivers involved in the incident.
Driver Background and Safety Concerns:
- Hsieh had been employed by CitiAir Bus Co. since February 2024.
- The Taipei City Public Transportation Office confirmed that Hsieh had not worked overtime recently and had no history of recent violations or disciplinary actions.
- However, concerns have been raised about the qualifications of newer bus drivers and the adequacy of training programs in light of the accident.
Table: Incident Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accident Date | Sunday, [Date] |
| Location | Zhongzheng District, Taipei |
| Buses Involved | Route 49 (Chen), Route 312 (Hsieh) |
| Fatalities | 1 pedestrian (50 years old) |
| Injuries | 15 total, including 8 Thai tourists, and 2 bus drivers |
| Bail Amounts | NT$300,000 (Hsieh), NT$100,000 (Chen) |
| Cause of Accident | Rear-end collision, pedestrian struck by lurching bus |
| Key Findings | Both drivers tested negative for alcohol, no recent overtime or violations for Hsieh |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What caused the fatal bus accident in Taipei?
The collision occurred when a Route 312 bus driven by Hsieh rear-ended a Route 49 bus that had stopped to allow pedestrians to cross. The impact pushed the first bus forward, hitting a pedestrian and a taxi at the intersection.
Q2: Who was released on bail after the accident?
Both drivers, Chen (the driver of the first bus) and Hsieh (the driver of the second bus), were released on bail after questioning by prosecutors.
Q3: Were the bus drivers under the influence of alcohol?
Both bus drivers tested negative for alcohol consumption. They each had a zero blood alcohol concentration at the time of the accident.
Q4: What is the background of driver Hsieh?
Hsieh obtained her bus driving license in January 2024 and had been employed by CitiAir Bus Co. since February of the same year. She had no recorded traffic violations except for one incident in August 2024.
Q5: What will happen next in the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and the two drivers face charges of negligent homicide as authorities continue to review the circumstances of the accident.
