TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Li Yuan-han (李元瀚), a dedicated Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台灣電力公司) employee, died Tuesday (July 22) after a 7-day hospital battle following a high-voltage electric shock incident. The 36-year-old suffered the fatal accident during post-typhoon repair efforts in Yizhu Township (義竹鄉), Chiayi County, after Typhoon Danas devastated the region. His death marks a tragic end to efforts restoring power infrastructure across the storm-damaged area, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by utility workers. The incident occurred while Li was working to restore electrical services to communities affected by the devastating typhoon.
Li, a beloved deputy leader of Chiayi's line crew known affectionately as "Hulk," had worked tirelessly for eight consecutive days without returning home to his family. The dedicated worker was performing elevated line repairs when a 6,000-volt shock caused him to lose consciousness and stop breathing immediately. Emergency responders rushed him to Chi Mei Medical Center (台南奇美醫院), where doctors used extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to try to save his life. The medical team employed advanced life support techniques in their desperate attempt to revive the critically injured utility worker.
The medical team's efforts proved insufficient as Li's injuries remained too severe for recovery despite advanced treatment protocols. His family made the painful decision to remove life support, choosing to turn their profound loss into a broader act of love. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited Li during his hospital stay, offering condolences to his family, while colleagues, citizens, and his Catholic community prayed for his recovery throughout the ordeal. The presidential visit underscored the national significance of Li's sacrifice and the government's recognition of frontline workers' contributions.
Li's father expressed the family's heartbreak, saying they had hoped to reunite after the storm's aftermath subsided completely. Li's sacrifice has sparked a national conversation about the safety of frontline repair workers across Taiwan's utility sector and infrastructure maintenance. His passing has left Taiwan mourning a hero, urging society to remember his quiet dedication and significant contribution to disaster relief efforts. The tragedy highlights the dangerous conditions faced by essential workers who risk their lives to restore critical services during natural disasters. ◼