Tragic Hengchun Garbage Truck Accident Claims Life of Sanitation Worker, Leaves Three Children Behind – Family Pleads for Government Aid

A fatal accident occurred on July 20 in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. A sanitation worker surnamed Shi, employed by the Hengchun Township Office, fell from the rear compartment of a garbage truck around 7:00 a.m. while conducting routine roadside waste collection along Dawguang Road in Hengchun. He was rushed to hospital but later pronounced dead.

Following the incident, police responded immediately. Authorities conducted an on-site alcohol test on the garbage truck driver, a man surnamed Zhou, registering a blood alcohol concentration of 0.00 mg per liter, effectively ruling out drunk driving. The case was subsequently handed over to prosecutors and police for further investigation. On July 24, the prosecutor completed the autopsy, confirming the direct cause of death as traumatic brain injury resulting from the head impact.

Shi’s sudden passing has left his family without a primary breadwinner. Family members stated that Shi had been solely supporting the household financially. He leaves behind three minor children still in their developmental years, the youngest being only 11 years old. The family now faces significant challenges in covering daily living expenses and future educational costs.

Grieving relatives expressed profound sorrow, emphasizing that the children have lost their father just as they are beginning to grow. They feel helpless about future security and are appealing to government agencies to proactively offer assistance—particularly in applying for occupational injury benefits, civil service condolence payments, and various survivor subsidies—to help the family navigate this crisis.

In response to this workplace safety incident, the family has submitted four clear demands to the relevant authorities: First, a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident and verification of whether adequate safety measures were in place during operations. Second, full support in legally applying for occupational injury compensation, civil service condolence funds, and survivor benefits. Third, long-term and continuous educational subsidies, living assistance, and psychological counseling for the three minor children. Fourth, a thorough review of all garbage truck collection procedures and safety protection equipment across the county to prevent similar workplace tragedies from recurring. (Related report: Dangerous sanitation work! Standing on moving garbage trucks during collection carries high risks, averaging 4 deaths and 740 injuries annually.)