Tainan Clinic Fined NT$300,000 Over Fatal Unapproved Elevator Accident; City to Launch Joint Inspections

(CNA, Tainan, May 19, by reporter Yang Szu-jui) A fatal accident involving a freight elevator occurred at a clinic in Tainan City today. The Public Works Bureau, after a joint inspection with relevant units, preliminarily confirmed the elevator involved was unapproved. A fine of NT$300,000 will be issued, and the case will be referred to prosecutors for investigation. Follow-up joint inspections will be conducted on elevators in clinics located on the second floor and above across the city. The Tainan City Government's Public Works Bureau issued a press release this afternoon stating that a major elevator accident at a clinic resulted in the unfortunate death of one employee. Upon receiving the report, the Bureau immediately dispatched personnel with relevant units to inspect the scene. The Bureau pointed out that a preliminary check confirmed the elevator in the accident had not obtained a legal certificate of use. In accordance with the Building Act, the building owner and user will be fined NT$300,000, the use of the freight elevator will be suspended, and the case will be sent to the District Prosecutors Office for investigation. Subsequently, to ensure user safety, a joint inspection will be carried out to verify whether elevators used by clinics located on the second floor and above in Tainan City have been legally registered. According to the Bureau, the initial investigation suggests that a malfunction of a freight elevator used inside the clinic caused severe injury to a person. The Fire Department received the report at 12:21 PM today and responded promptly, while police conducted evidence collection and accident investigation at the scene. The Public Works Bureau stated that building elevators must be legally permitted, inspected, and certified before use. Managers must also fulfill their maintenance and safety management responsibilities and must not use equipment that has not been legally inspected or permitted, in order to maintain public safety. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150519