Driver on Lunch Break Injures Two Children; Wansheng Township Staff Refuses Alcohol Test

Central News Agency Report (Reporter: Chang Chi, Hualien County, July 15)

A serious traffic accident occurred yesterday on County Road 45 in Hualien. A contracted male employee surnamed Chen from Wansheng Township Office was driving a minivan when he collided with two elementary school boys riding electric-assisted bicycles. Both children sustained severe injuries and remain under observation in the intensive care unit. Chen refused an alcohol test at the scene and was later referred for prosecution.

According to family members, the 12-year-old Yang and 11-year-old Peng are senior and junior classmates. Peng is a local track athlete who had been training at Wansheng Elementary School. However, due to a landslide-dammed lake alert, the school grounds were closed, prompting the boys to ride to Mingli Elementary School for independent training when the accident occurred.

Emergency responders arrived promptly and transported both injured boys to hospital. Due to the severity of their injuries, they were transferred to Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. Family members reported that Peng suffered eight broken ribs and internal bleeding and remains in critical condition. Yang underwent emergency surgery for internal organ damage.

Peng’s family raised serious concerns, questioning how a 30-something contracted public employee could drive under the influence during official yellow-alert conditions for the Wanli Creek landslide-dammed lake. They criticized police for failing to enforce mandatory alcohol testing and allowing the suspect to return home despite being caught in the act.

Fenglin Police Substation Chief Liu Yu-hsiang stated that Chen admitted to drinking the previous night and feared residual alcohol, thus refusing the breathalyzer. Officers conducted balance tests and interviews before releasing him, following standard procedures at the time.

Chief Liu acknowledged that the substation later recognized the oversight and promptly applied to the Hualien District Prosecutors Office for a blood test authorization. Around 9 p.m., Chen was located and blood-tested, which showed no alcohol presence. He was referred for prosecution on charges of endangering public safety. Liu admitted the police response was inadequate, launched an internal investigation, and promised disciplinary action if negligence is confirmed.

Wansheng Township Office stated that the 33-year-old Chen was a short-term contracted employee responsible for administrative assistance, having worked for just over a month with a contract ending in November. The incident occurred during lunch break, not during official duty hours.

The office convened a contracted staff evaluation meeting today, initiating disciplinary procedures and vowing strict action in accordance with regulations. The employee has voluntarily expressed intent to resign. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150715

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