Two Buses Collide in Taipei, 8 Injured; Fire Department Activates Mass Casualty Protocol

(Central News Agency, reporter Huang Liyun, Taipei, 7th) A traffic accident occurred at noon today in Taipei's Shilin District, where two buses collided at the intersection of Fulin Road and Zhishan Road, injuring approximately 8 people. Upon receiving the report, the Taipei City Fire Department immediately activated its mass casualty incident handling mechanism. Initial triage indicated all injuries were minor. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

The Fire Department received the report at 12:13 PM, stating that a collision between two buses had occurred near the intersection of Fulin Road and Zhishan Road in Shilin District. An initial estimate of about 8 injuries was made at the scene, prompting the immediate activation of the mass casualty protocol. All initial triage assessments indicated minor injuries. The detailed cause remains under investigation.

Separately, the Zhongzheng Second Precinct of the Taipei City Police Department received a report at approximately 9:36 AM of a traffic accident at the intersection of Lane 132, Section 3, Chongqing South Road, and Lane 26, Zhao'an Street, within its jurisdiction. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Investigation revealed that an 80-year-old male driver, surnamed Wu, allegedly made an operational error by mistakenly stepping on the accelerator, causing the front of his vehicle to crash into a roadside residence. The driver sustained a scratch on his left hand and a fracture in his left leg.

Police have preliminarily ruled out driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It was confirmed that Mr. Wu's driving license was valid and that he had completed the required renewal procedures.

The Zhongzheng Second Precinct reminded the public that the new regulations for elderly driver's license renewal took effect on May 31 of this year. Drivers aged 70 and above must pass a physical examination and complete a safety education course to renew their license. The first renewal is valid until the age of 75.

Furthermore, drivers aged 75 and above must renew their license every three years. In addition to the physical exam and course, they must also pass a cognitive function test to obtain a license valid for three years.

The Zhongzheng Second Precinct stated that for those aged 70 and above who consider their physical condition and voluntarily wish to surrender their driver's license to the Motor Vehicles Office, the government provides TPASS transportation subsidies. (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150607