UPDATE 08:30 P.M. with investigation focusing on bus driver
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A traffic accident involving a tour bus and a passenger car occurred around 9:40 a.m. on Saturday (Oct. 21) on Highway 3 in Yunlin County near Douliu, leaving four people dead.
The bus driver reportedly tried to brake before it struck the smaller vehicle from behind, with the bus’ momentum causing it to careen into the highway’s inner guardrail, which also damaged the rear of the bus, reported UDN.
One of the victims was a 12-year-old boy seated at the back of the bus, who was pronounced dead as soon as first responders arrived. The boy's 48-year-old mother was also in critical condition and sent for emergency treatment, but later passed away, reported CNA.
The passengers in the car, a couple in their 50s, were rushed to a hospital but later pronounced dead. LTN reported that another 22 people had minor injuries and were sent to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
The bus departed with passengers from Hsinchu, and was en route to the Janfusun Fancyworld when the accident occurred, per UDN.
As a result of the accident, two lanes were closed and southbound traffic was stalled for approximately four kilometers on Highway 3, reported CNA. The initial cause of the accident is still being investigated.
An early probe by police centered on the bus driver, with passengers saying he had been driving fast, repeatedly overtaking other vehicles on the highway, and honking his horn, CNA reported. An investigation would be opened into professional negligence resulting in death, according to the report.
