TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A 60-year-old man was fatally struck by a bus while crossing a pedestrian crosswalk in Taipei on Saturday morning, with the bus operator facing a maximum fine of NT$90,000 (US$3,062).

The victim was identified as Chou Chia-cheng (周佳正), chief breast surgeon at the health ministry's Taoyuan General Hospital. Chou was crossing the street when he was hit by a bus operated by Shin-Shin Bus Co. and trapped beneath its front wheel, according to CNA.

Emergency personnel took Chou to the National Taiwan University Hospital, but he was unresponsive upon arrival. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Chou was declared dead at the hospital.

The bus driver, surnamed Lee (李), tested negative for alcohol consumption and is not suspected of drunk driving.

The hospital described Chou as a highly skilled physician who devoted many years to breast cancer surgery. The hospital regards his passing as an irreplaceable loss to the hospital and the medical community.

Taipei City's Public Transportation Office is investigating the accident, reviewing factors such as the bus driver’s experience and work hours. Since the collision occurred at a pedestrian crossing, the case will be processed under Article 77, Paragraph 1 of the Highway Act, which carries a maximum fine of NT$90,000 for the bus operator.