Two Elderly Men Clash Over Reflective Strips in Changhua; 3 Hospitalized After Fight in Field

(CNA, Reporter Wu Che-hao, Changhua, May 21) A fight involving elderly individuals occurred in Xianxi Township, Changhua County. A 92-year-old man, surnamed Huang, got into a dispute with an 86-year-old man, surnamed Lin, over reflective strips hung in a field. Huang attacked with a sickle, Lin countered with a frying pan, and a woman, surnamed Zhuang, who tried to mediate was pushed over, resulting in all three being hospitalized. An officer from the Hemei Precinct of the Changhua County Police Bureau stated today that the fight took place on Dexing Road in Xianxi Township yesterday afternoon. Mr. Huang had hung reflective strips in the field, which Mr. Lin found uncomfortably bright and removed on his own. When Mr. Huang discovered the strips were gone, he questioned who had taken them. Mr. Lin admitted to it, and the two began to argue. According to the police, Mr. Huang approached Mr. Lin with a sickle used for harvesting rice, and Mr. Lin resisted with a frying pan. In the chaos, Mr. Huang struck Mr. Lin's head with the sickle. Ms. Zhuang, who saw the two arguing and stepped in to mediate, was pushed over, fracturing her right leg. Police and firefighters arrived at the scene and transported the three injured individuals for medical treatment. Mr. Huang was sent to Dao-Chou Hospital, while Mr. Lin and Ms. Zhuang were taken to Chang-Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital. Chang-Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital explained that Mr. Lin had a head wound that required three stitches and has since returned home to recover. Ms. Zhuang suffered a fractured right femur, requires surgery, and is still hospitalized. Police indicated that they will summon Mr. Huang and Mr. Lin for questioning to clarify the cause of the incident.