CHANGHUA (TVBS News) — Authorities have detained a technician with a criminal history after his vehicle plowed into a group of teenage cyclists from an elite private school, leaving seven injured. The 41-year-old air conditioning installer, identified only by his surname Hsiao (蕭), faces serious charges following the Tuesday collision in central Taiwan's Changhua County.
Investigators said Thursday (April 24) Hsiao crossed the centerline on Zhangshui Road (彰水路) while traveling to a job site in rural Zhutan Township (竹塘鄉), a small agricultural community. The impact critically injured one student from Kang Chiao International School (康橋國際學校), who required emergency surgery but has since regained consciousness and returned to Taipei. Two other teenagers suffered bone fractures, while the remaining four students escaped with minor injuries and have been released from medical care.
During questioning, Hsiao confessed to momentarily taking his eyes off the road to reach for an object on the vehicle floor when the collision occurred. Security camera recordings revealed concerning driving patterns before the crash, raising red flags for investigators. While breath tests detected no alcohol, authorities ordered comprehensive toxicology screenings, citing Hsiao's previous convictions for narcotics violations and theft as grounds for suspicion.
Law enforcement officials took Hsiao into custody after he neglected to surrender himself to the Beidou Police Substation as instructed following medical treatment at Yunlin Christian Hospital for his own minor injuries. The Changhua District Court, citing flight risk concerns, authorized his detention under restricted conditions that prohibit any external communications during the investigation. ★
