TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two female students from Taichung’s Tunghai University were struck by a public bus while walking on a crosswalk at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 22), resulting in the death of one student and injuries to the other.
The 65-year-old bus driver, surnamed Shih (施), was charged with negligent homicide following police interrogation the next day. He was released on bail set at NT$200,000 by the Taichung District Prosecutors Office.
In response to the incident, Geya Bus Transportation, the operator of bus route 305, issued a public apology to the victims, their families, the Tunghai University community, and the general public. The bus company pledged to fully accept its public responsibility, per Mirror Media.
The fatal accident occurred at the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Luchuan East Street in Taichung City’s Central District. The two female students, a 21-year-old woman surnamed Wang (王) and a 20-year-old woman surnamed Lin (林), were struck by the bus. Wang sustained injuries, while Lin tragically lost her life in the accident.
During interrogation, Shih said heavy rain and dark skies prevented him from seeing the two pedestrians on the crosswalk as he made a left turn. For this reason, he did not undertake the typical practice of slowing his speed, stopping, and allowing pedestrians the right of way. He only saw the pedestrians when it was too late.
Geya Bus Transportation said it would fully assist the victims and their families with follow-up affairs and compensation. It also pledged to strengthen driver safety, implement daily safety training, and accelerate the introduction of software and hardware to enhance vehicle safety.
