Taoyuan Man on Drug Drive Kills 2 Pedestrians While Fleeing Police, Dies of Injuries

(Central News Agency, reporter Ye Zhen, Taoyuan 12th) A 30-year-old man surnamed Chang in Taoyuan City, while driving under the influence of amphetamines and fleeing from police pursuit on the evening of the 12th, struck and killed two pedestrians who were waiting at a red light near Min-Sheng General Hospital in Taoyuan District. Chang was also declared dead from his injuries in the early hours of the 13th. The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office will inspect the scene and perform autopsies on the three deceased to clarify the case.

Chang, suspected of driving after using amphetamines, refused to stop at a police checkpoint on Chunri Road in Taoyuan District on the evening of the 12th. After a police chase covering about 6 kilometers through the city center, Chang's vehicle lost control and skidded in front of Min-Sheng Hospital, hitting 60-year-old Hou and 65-year-old Ye, who were waiting at a red light after leaving the hospital from a medical visit and a patient visit, respectively.

Hou and Ye sustained severe head lacerations, open fractures of limbs, and amputations. They had no vital signs at the scene and were declared dead late on the night of the 12th despite emergency medical treatment. Chang was initially trapped in his vehicle; after being rescued and taken to the hospital, he was declared dead in the early hours of the 13th.

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office stated that Chang's urine test showed a positive reaction for amphetamines. Prosecutors will inspect the accident scene and then proceed to St. Paul's Hospital, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Taoyuan Hospital, and Min-Sheng Hospital to perform autopsies on the three deceased to clarify the case. The office will notify the Taoyuan branch of the Crime Victim Protection Association to provide care and support to the families. The families will receive a condolence payment of NT$5,000, and lawyers will be present to assist with legal services such as seizing Chang's assets. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150612