Pingtung Cleaning Team Chief Suspected in Hit-and-Run; 50-Year-Old Man Dies After Falling into Ditch

(CNA reporter Li Hui-ting, Pingtung County, 12th) A female cleaning team chief from Laiyi Township Office in Pingtung County, surnamed Tsao, is suspected of a hit-and-run after her car struck a cyclist on Xinrong Road in Wanluan Township on the evening of the 11th, leading to the death of the male cyclist, surnamed Wu, who fell into a ditch. Pingtung police have initially clarified that Tsao was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Neipu Precinct of the Pingtung County Police Bureau stated that around 6 PM today, they received a report from the public about a person who had fallen into a ditch on Xinrong Road in Wanluan Township. When police and firefighters arrived at the scene, the person showed no signs of life. They are investigating by reviewing surveillance footage and related evidence.

Police investigation traced back to around 10 PM on the 11th, when a car struck a 50-year-old man, Mr. Wu, who was riding a bicycle on Xinrong Road. After Mr. Wu fell into the ditch, the car's driver allegedly fled the scene without reporting the incident or providing aid.

According to the Neipu police investigation, the car's driver is the cleaning team chief from Laiyi Township Office, surnamed Tsao. Her blood alcohol level was 0, and a saliva drug test came back negative. The detailed cause of the accident is still under investigation, and she will be sent to the prosecutor's office on suspicion of hit-and-run.

Laiyi Township Mayor Chuang Ching-hsing told a CNA reporter that he has not yet been able to contact Chief Tsao by phone. He mentioned that Chief Tsao has worked at the office for about 20 years and transferred to the position of cleaning team chief about 3 years ago. He described her as a serious and responsible person and expressed his shock and regret over the incident, stating they will fully assist the family with funeral arrangements. (Editor: Chen Cheng-chien) 1150612