Taipei, Taiwan – A public bus crashed into a convenience store in Xinyi District, Taipei, on Tuesday afternoon, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The accident occurred after the driver failed to engage the vehicle’s handbrake while taking a break. The bus company, Metropolitan Transport Corp., has been fined NT$90,000 (approximately US$2,817) for the incident, according to the city’s Department of Transportation.
Incident Details: Bus Driver Forgets Handbrake
The incident took place around noon on Songde Road near the Songde terminal. The bus, operating on Route 277, was parked at the terminal when the 35-year-old driver, Tsai (蔡), left the vehicle momentarily to rest. Unfortunately, Tsai forgot to engage the handbrake before leaving the bus, resulting in the vehicle rolling away.
Upon returning, the driver discovered that the bus had skidded across the road and crashed into a convenience store directly across from the terminal. The store’s front was severely damaged as the bus lodged itself into the building. Despite the significant property damage, there were no passengers in the vehicle at the time, and no one was injured.
Damage Caused by the Crash
While the crash did not result in injuries, the damage to the property was considerable. The rear of the bus was heavily damaged when it collided with the store. According to the Department of Transportation, the store’s ceiling and sidewalk in front of the building were also severely affected. Nearby stores and a parked motorcycle also sustained minor damages.
The crash has raised concerns about public safety, particularly regarding the operation and maintenance of buses. Metropolitan Transport Corp. has been asked to pay for the damage and submit a review of its current safety procedures.
Fine and Penalties for Bus Company
Following the incident, the Department of Transportation imposed a fine of NT$90,000 on the Metropolitan Transport Corp. The fine was issued in accordance with Article 77 of the Highway Act, which penalizes such violations with fines ranging from NT$9,000 to NT$90,000.
In addition to the fine, the bus company is required to compensate the store owner for the damages incurred and review its operational protocols. The company will also need to strengthen its driver training and ensure better adherence to safety procedures.
Metropolitan Transport Corp. Response
Lee Chien-wen (李建文), the general manager of Metropolitan Transport, addressed the media following the incident. He confirmed that the company follows strict standard operating procedures which require the use of the handbrake whenever a bus is stopped, and the use of triangular wheel chocks to ensure the vehicle remains stationary.
“We will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident and ensure that the driver undergoes further training,” Lee stated. He also assured the public that the store owner would be fully compensated for any losses from the incident.
Importance of Safety Protocols for Public Transportation
The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in public transportation, especially in ensuring that buses are properly secured when stationary. The Department of Transportation emphasized that such accidents could have been easily prevented by following established procedures.
Timeline of Events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Bus driver parks and leaves vehicle for a break |
| After Break | Driver returns to find bus has skidded and crashed into store |
| Damage Reported | Rear of bus, store ceiling, sidewalk, and nearby stores damaged |
| Fines Imposed | Bus company fined NT$90,000 (US$2,817) for violation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What caused the bus crash in Taipei?
The crash occurred because the bus driver forgot to engage the handbrake while taking a break, causing the vehicle to roll and crash into a nearby convenience store.
2. Were there any injuries in the accident?
No, there were no injuries reported. The bus was empty at the time of the incident, and the driver was the only person involved.
3. What fines were imposed on the bus company?
Metropolitan Transport Corp. was fined NT$90,000 (approximately US$2,817) for violating safety protocols as outlined in the Highway Act.
4. What damages resulted from the crash?
The rear of the bus was severely damaged, along with the ceiling and sidewalk of the convenience store. Nearby stores and a parked motorcycle also sustained some damage.
5. What measures will be taken after the incident?
The bus company will conduct a review of its safety procedures, improve driver training, and compensate the store owner for the damages.
