TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A utility worker from Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台電), the island's state-owned electricity provider, sustained a critical electric shock on Tuesday (July 15) while working to restore power in Yizhu Township (義竹鄉) of Chiayi County. The incident happened as repair crews worked to fix infrastructure damaged by Typhoon Danas, which recently swept across the island. Emergency responders transported the severely injured worker to Chi Mei Medical Center (柳營奇美醫院) in neighboring Tainan City for urgent medical care.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) voiced deep concern over the incident and directed both the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部) and Taipower management to offer prompt support to the injured employee and his relatives. According to Taipower officials, the worker received the electric shock while performing a standard grounding procedure, leaving him in a semi-conscious state. Colleagues at the scene immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts before emergency services arrived.
Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) made a personal visit to the hospital to express sympathy to the worker's family members. He urged medical personnel to provide thorough treatment for the injured employee. Premier Cho later posted on Facebook that both central and local government agencies remain committed to typhoon recovery efforts. He recognized the psychological impact these dangerous situations have on utility workers tasked with power restoration.
Meanwhile, Legislator Tsai Yi-yu (蔡易餘), a member of Taiwan's parliament, called on the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, to tackle the persistent hazards confronting utility workers on the front lines. The legislator pushed for a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade that would place major roadway power lines and communication cables underground. Tsai argued that such measures would provide a permanent solution to both safety concerns and maintenance challenges during typhoon seasons. ◼
