Sign Falls in Taipei's Eastern District, Injuring Two; Mayor Chiang Wan-an Promises to Review Inspection Mechanism

(Central News Agency reporters Yang Shu-min and Huang Li-yun, Taipei, 8th) Taipei City Councilor Keng Wei questioned the recent incident where a falling sign in the Eastern District injured two people during a municipal policy review session on the 8th, demanding a thorough investigation. The Construction Management Office stated that last year's inspection found over 300 illegal large advertisements, of which over 100 have been removed. Mayor Chiang Wan-an promised to review the inspection mechanism.

On the afternoon of the 6th, a sign from a telecommunications company fell near Zhongxiao East Road Section 4, Taipei, injuring two people. The Construction Management Office stated it would fine the company NT$240,000 according to the Building Act.

During the city council's municipal policy review session, KMT councilor Keng Wei noted that the incident did not occur in a sparsely populated area and could have been a major incident during rush hour, expressing concern about other potential dangers.

Yu Chi-hsueh, Director of the Taipei City Construction Management Office, said that the city commissions contractors to inspect abandoned advertisements on major roads across all 12 administrative districts, but visual inspections have limitations and cannot always determine safety.

Yu also stated that the office receives an average of about 1 to 2 reports of falling signs per year. When Keng Wei suggested there might be many unreported cases, Yu agreed. When Keng further asked if the office had records of large signs over 10, 15, or 20 years old, Yu said a survey was conducted last year, identifying over 300 illegal large advertisements, with over 100 already removed or improved.

Keng Wei worried that some signs might have loose screws after years of installation and demanded a special project for management, not just a review after an accident. She called for a comprehensive inspection of all potentially dangerous large signs in high-traffic areas.

Yu replied that he had already planned to conduct regular inspections and management on major roads, around major MRT stations, and in key commercial areas.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an also stated that on the day of the incident, he instructed relevant departments to review and improve the current methods for external signs, in addition to the regular public safety reports for building exteriors. He ordered an immediate city-wide inventory, requiring immediate improvements for old or loose signs, and will also require self-management by businesses. The city government will review the current mechanism. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150608