TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Metropolitan Transport Corporation (大都會客運) bus slammed into a tree on a traffic island along Taipei's busy Zhongshan North Road Section 5 Monday (June 2) at midday, resulting in minor injuries to seven passengers. The collision disrupted lunchtime traffic in one of the capital city's major thoroughfares, drawing immediate response from emergency services.
The 59-year-old driver, identified only by his surname Liao according to Taiwanese privacy conventions, attributed the accident to a momentary lapse in concentration while navigating the busy corridor. Police investigators at the scene confirmed Liao's blood alcohol level registered zero, ruling out intoxication as a contributing factor to the collision.
Metropolitan Transport Corporation officials reported all seven injured passengers remained conscious throughout the incident and were promptly transported to two of Taipei's major medical facilities — Shin Kong Hospital (新光醫院) and Mackay Memorial Hospital (馬偕醫院) — for evaluation and treatment. Emergency responders assessed the injuries as minor, primarily consisting of contusions and mild lacerations.
The transportation company immediately issued a public pledge to assume full financial responsibility for all medical expenses incurred by the injured passengers. This prompt commitment reflects standard corporate response protocols for public transportation incidents in Taiwan's highly regulated transit system.
Company representatives emphasized that driver Liao had successfully passed all required health examinations and pre-duty alcohol screenings before beginning his shift. These mandatory safety protocols, standard across Taiwan's public transportation system, include comprehensive medical evaluations and zero-tolerance policies for alcohol consumption.
The corporation announced plans to conduct a thorough internal review of the incident's underlying causes, with the explicit goal of implementing enhanced corrective and preventive safety measures. This investigation will examine driver training protocols, vehicle maintenance records, and route management procedures to identify potential systemic improvements.
Company officials stated their commitment to ensuring similar incidents are minimized in the future through comprehensive safety enhancements. This pledge aligns with Taiwan's stringent public transportation safety standards, which require continuous improvement in operational protocols following any incident regardless of severity.
Taipei police authorities will conduct a more detailed investigation to determine the precise cause of the collision and formally assign legal responsibility. This standard procedure involves reviewing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and assessing vehicle maintenance records to establish a comprehensive understanding of the incident's circumstances ◼
