Bus collides into building and bursts into flames after driver faints

司機昏迷後公車撞騎樓起火

After bus driver faints, bus accelerates into a building and then becomes engulfed in flames


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- A bus crashed into a building in New Taipei's Xinzhuang District and burst into flames after the driver fainted and remained unconscious when firefighters found him early this morning (Oct. 31), according to the New Taipei City Fire Department.

At 5:22 a.m. this morning, while waiting at a red light at an intersection of Zhongyang Road, the driver of San Chong Bus Co., Ltd. bus No. 617 suddenly fainted and his foot rested on the accelerator pedal, causing the vehicl to crash into a pillar of a building. As his foot continued to press on the gas pedal. the wheels continued to spin in place until the back of the bus erupted in flames.

Fortunately, no passengers were on board and firefighters were swiftly able to extinguish the blaze, according to the fire department. .

Firefighters said that the driver was still inside the vehicle when they arrived on the scene and has been identified as a 41-year-old man surnamed Ho (何) years old. He suffered third degree burns to nine percent of his head and two percent of his arms, as well as a fractured leg.

Relatives of Ho said that he had recently been in a serious car accident and suffered head trauma requiring brain surgery. He had just received clearance to drive again from a doctor in September.

Ho was immediately rushed to Far Eastern Memorial Hospital. No injuries were reported from staff inside the building.

Police have cordoned off the area and are investigating the cause of the accident.


(CNA image)