Deadly car crash in New Taipei City kills three and injures 15, mostly children

A 78-year-old driver crashed into a group of pedestrians in New Taipei City on 19 May, killing three and injuring 15 others, many of them children. The incident occurred at around 4pm near Bei Da Elementary School, when students were leaving for the day.

Authorities confirmed that two 12-year-old female junior high students and a woman in her 40s died in the crash. At least eight children were among the injured, including a kindergartener. Several remain in critical condition with head injuries, fractures, and severe lacerations.

According to , the driver ran a red light before accelerating into the intersection. Dashcam footage captured the car speeding past motorcyclists before colliding with pedestrians. Witnesses described the vehicle as moving “like it was racing” before striking the crowd.

Crash sequence and impact

Police said the vehicle hit three scooters and a bicycle before mounting a traffic island and slamming into pedestrians. Moments earlier, the car may have reversed into two other vehicles at a different intersection before rapidly accelerating toward the school crossing.

The collision scattered personal belongings and left damaged bicycles and scooters across the road. Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting the injured to multiple hospitals in New Taipei City. Medical teams treated victims for head trauma and multiple fractures, with some requiring emergency surgery.

Driver’s condition and investigation

The driver was also hospitalised and is currently in a coma, making it impossible for investigators to question him. A breathalyser test conducted immediately after the crash confirmed no presence of alcohol in his system.

The Ministry of Transportation revealed that the man had passed a senior driver assessment on 20 February, renewing his licence until 2028. Officials said the review was part of Taiwan’s mandatory evaluation system for older drivers.

Investigators are examining whether mechanical failure, a sudden medical emergency, or driver error caused the crash. Police stated that the unusual sequence of reversing and sudden acceleration raised concerns about the driver’s condition at the time.

Public concern and safety measures

The crash has reignited public debate in Taiwan over the safety of elderly drivers. In recent years, authorities have implemented stricter rules for licence renewals among drivers over 75, requiring them to undergo regular medical checks and driving tests.

Road safety advocates have urged the government to accelerate reforms, pointing to the increasing number of traffic incidents involving senior drivers. Campaigners argue that while many older drivers remain competent, health issues such as impaired vision, slower reaction times, and sudden medical conditions can increase risks.

Parents of students at Bei Da Elementary School expressed grief and anger at the accident, calling for stronger protective measures at busy school crossings. Local residents highlighted that the intersection was known to be crowded with students and parents during dismissal hours.

Emergency response and government reaction

Emergency personnel from New Taipei City Fire Department said response teams arrived within minutes, coordinating triage and hospital transfers. Hospitals in the area were placed on high alert to accommodate the large number of child casualties.

Local authorities have pledged a full investigation and promised additional road safety reviews near schools. The Ministry of Education is expected to work with city officials to reassess crossing guard deployment and install further safety barriers at high-traffic intersections.

New Taipei City Mayor, in a brief statement, extended condolences to the victims’ families and vowed support for the injured. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy, especially because so many of the victims are children. We will provide every possible resource for the affected families,” he said.

Background on elderly driver regulations

Taiwan currently requires drivers aged 75 and older to undergo a physical examination and a simplified driving test every three years. Failure to pass results in licence revocation. The system was introduced following several high-profile accidents involving elderly drivers.

Despite these measures, critics argue the evaluations may not fully capture sudden medical conditions such as strokes, seizures, or cardiac events, which can occur without warning. Transport authorities have acknowledged these risks and are reviewing options for tighter regulations.

Community mourning

Grief has spread throughout New Taipei City, particularly among the schools affected. Teachers and classmates of the deceased students held a vigil on 20 May, lighting candles and leaving flowers near the crash site.

Counselling services are being offered to students traumatised by the incident. Parents in the community have organised petitions urging the government to prioritise road safety around schools, demanding stricter penalties for traffic violations in school zones.

As the investigation continues, residents have begun laying wreaths and notes of condolence at the intersection where the crash occurred. For many families, the tragedy has become a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children during routine journeys home from school.