Escape Room 'Lost Screwdriver' Employee Dies; Taipei Fines Operator 700K NTD
An employee at the Taipei escape room 'Lost Screwdriver' died from suffocation while playing a hanging ghost. The city government shut down two branches, imposed a 700,000 NTD fine, and announced citywide safety inspections.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 15, 2026 at 19:43
- 🔍 Collected: May 15, 2026 at 20:02 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 15, 2026 at 20:58 (56 min after Collected)
CNA News
(CNA Reporters Chen Yu-ting, Liu Chien-pang, Taipei 15th) An employee of the Taipei escape room 'Lost Screwdriver' died from suffocation while dressed as a hanging ghost. The city government stated today that it has fined the operator a total of 700,000 NTD for violating labor and building regulations, and will launch citywide joint public safety inspections tomorrow.
A female employee surnamed Wu at 'Lost Screwdriver' suffocated on the 10th while playing a hanging ghost and passed away today. DPP Taipei City Councilor Hong Chien-yi questioned why, days after the incident, the city government had not yet conducted joint safety inspections of the industry, contrasting it with the New Taipei City government which had already acted, criticizing Taipei as being slow to react.
Taipei City Government Deputy Spokesperson Yeh Hsiang-yuan stated today that the safety incident at 'Lost Screwdriver' was of a serious nature. On the first day after the incident, the city government immediately ordered the Xinyi branch to suspend operations, followed by the Nanjing Sanmin branch the next day. Investigations will continue with strict penalties.
Yeh stated that the Cultural Affairs Bureau has established a task force and will launch city-level joint public safety inspections of escape room operators citywide tomorrow to determine industry types and demand protection for employee and consumer rights.
The Taipei City Department of Labor stated that the incident resulted in the death of a worker. On-site inspections revealed that the employer failed to maintain a safe working environment and take necessary preventive measures, violating Article 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The employer will face a maximum fine of 300,000 NTD and will be referred to the prosecutor's office.
The Department of Labor stated that, in addition to inspecting labor rights, it strongly demands the employer fulfill occupational hazard compensation responsibilities according to the law, including funeral expenses equivalent to 5 months of average wages and death compensation of 40 months of average wages. The department will fully assist the family with the compensation application process.
Furthermore, the Taipei City Department of Urban Development stated that both branches of 'Lost Screwdriver' violated Article 79 of the Urban Planning Act. Therefore, the Xinyi branch was fined a maximum of 300,000 NTD and the Nanjing Sanmin branch 100,000 NTD, and both were ordered to cease illegal operations.
The Department of Urban Development stated it has notified operators today that all escape room buildings belong to the 'D1 Use Group' and must complete public safety inspection declarations within one month. Violators will be penalized under the Building Act.
On the other hand, the Department of Legal Affairs stated it will actively provide the family with legal consultation and assistance, and reminded consumers affected by the suspensions that they can call the consumer service hotline 1950 if they have disputes. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150515
(CNA Reporters Chen Yu-ting, Liu Chien-pang, Taipei 15th) An employee of the Taipei escape room 'Lost Screwdriver' died from suffocation while dressed as a hanging ghost. The city government stated today that it has fined the operator a total of 700,000 NTD for violating labor and building regulations, and will launch citywide joint public safety inspections tomorrow.
A female employee surnamed Wu at 'Lost Screwdriver' suffocated on the 10th while playing a hanging ghost and passed away today. DPP Taipei City Councilor Hong Chien-yi questioned why, days after the incident, the city government had not yet conducted joint safety inspections of the industry, contrasting it with the New Taipei City government which had already acted, criticizing Taipei as being slow to react.
Taipei City Government Deputy Spokesperson Yeh Hsiang-yuan stated today that the safety incident at 'Lost Screwdriver' was of a serious nature. On the first day after the incident, the city government immediately ordered the Xinyi branch to suspend operations, followed by the Nanjing Sanmin branch the next day. Investigations will continue with strict penalties.
Yeh stated that the Cultural Affairs Bureau has established a task force and will launch city-level joint public safety inspections of escape room operators citywide tomorrow to determine industry types and demand protection for employee and consumer rights.
The Taipei City Department of Labor stated that the incident resulted in the death of a worker. On-site inspections revealed that the employer failed to maintain a safe working environment and take necessary preventive measures, violating Article 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The employer will face a maximum fine of 300,000 NTD and will be referred to the prosecutor's office.
The Department of Labor stated that, in addition to inspecting labor rights, it strongly demands the employer fulfill occupational hazard compensation responsibilities according to the law, including funeral expenses equivalent to 5 months of average wages and death compensation of 40 months of average wages. The department will fully assist the family with the compensation application process.
Furthermore, the Taipei City Department of Urban Development stated that both branches of 'Lost Screwdriver' violated Article 79 of the Urban Planning Act. Therefore, the Xinyi branch was fined a maximum of 300,000 NTD and the Nanjing Sanmin branch 100,000 NTD, and both were ordered to cease illegal operations.
The Department of Urban Development stated it has notified operators today that all escape room buildings belong to the 'D1 Use Group' and must complete public safety inspection declarations within one month. Violators will be penalized under the Building Act.
On the other hand, the Department of Legal Affairs stated it will actively provide the family with legal consultation and assistance, and reminded consumers affected by the suspensions that they can call the consumer service hotline 1950 if they have disputes. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150515