Signboard Falls on Taichung Gongyi Road; City Clears Debris and Launches Legal Action

(Central News Agency reporter Hsueh-Ching Hao, Taichung, June 15) A large exterior signboard fell from a drugstore on Gongyi Road in Taichung's West District last night. Police immediately cordoned off the outer lane. The Taichung City Government announced today that after overnight cleanup, all debris has been removed and normal traffic resumed this morning. The city will take legal action and require the business to make improvements.

According to preliminary police investigation last night, the fallen advertising signs included those from the drugstore and an adjacent convenience store. The incident affected four motorcycles and one passenger car, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The outer lane of the affected section on Gongyi Road was urgently closed, and relevant authorities were notified for cleanup.

The Taichung City Government stated that immediately after the incident, the Fire Bureau, Police Department, and Urban Development Bureau responded to the scene. In addition to completing safety cordons and traffic control, they simultaneously conducted safety assessments and post-disaster response operations. All fallen debris and hazardous hanging signs have now been removed, and the road resumed normal traffic this morning.

The Taichung Urban Development Bureau explained that the signboard suddenly collapsed, damaging vehicles parked roadside. After firefighters confirmed no further risk of collapse, they assisted a trapped woman to safety. Paramedics conducted an initial examination and found no visible injuries, and no other members of the public were affected. Matters related to personal injuries and vehicle damages will be handled by the business operators according to regulations for compensation.

The Urban Development Bureau noted that last night, contracted crews were immediately dispatched to the site to prioritize removal of fallen panels and large debris. By around 4 a.m. today, the removal of dangerous hanging structures on the exterior wall was completed. Preliminary analysis suggests the wooden structure of the sign may have absorbed moisture due to consecutive days of heavy rain, leading to rot and increased weight, ultimately causing it to collapse under stress.

The Bureau emphasized that it will take legal action under the 'Signage and Standing Advertisement Management Regulations' and relevant provisions of the 'Building Act,' requiring the business to rectify the situation within a specified timeframe. It also urges all businesses to regularly inspect the safety of their signs and advertisements, implement self-maintenance measures, and jointly uphold public safety. (Editor: Ya-Ching Chang) 1150615