A devastating incident unfolded near Taipei on Monday, May 19, when a car careened into a group of people, primarily students, outside a school. The collision resulted in at least three fatalities and injuries to 12 others, according to police reports. The incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. local time.

The Sequence of Events

Preliminary investigations indicate that a 78-year-old man was driving the vehicle when it allegedly ran a red light. The car subsequently struck three motorbikes and a bicycle before impacting the group of students and adults. The scene was chaotic, with emergency responders rushing to provide aid.

Videos released by the police depicted a grim scene: individuals performing chest compressions on victims lying in the street, emergency personnel evacuating the injured, and overturned motorbikes and bicycles scattered across the intersection. Sheets of paper and other debris littered the area, underscoring the severity of the impact.

Official Statements and Investigation

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the crash. For unknown reasons,the vehicle accelerated suddenly, police said in a statement,indicating that the cause of the incident remains unclear. Fifteen people, including the driver, were transported to three hospitals with injuries of varying severity, according to police.

Victims and Aftermath

Tragically, three individuals succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.Among the deceased were two 12-year-old girls and a 40-year-old woman. The driver was reportedly unconscious after the incident and tested negative for alcohol. Nine of the victims were students aged 12 to 15 from Sanxia Junior High School. the youngest victim, a six-year-old, attended a nearby kindergarten.

Government Response

President Lai Ching-te expressed his condolences and concern following the tragedy. According to a statement issued by the Presidential Office, Lai was shocked and saddened. He visited the victims in the hospital on Monday night and has directed the establishment of a task force to support the victims and their families, as well as to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih also visited the hospitals, noting that some of the victims were still receiving intensive treatment. He pledged accountability and transparency in addressing the aftermath of the crash. We will clarify the responsibility as soon as possible and give the public an clarification, Hou said.