TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A police car hydroplaned and crashed into a median on Provincial Highway 9 in Hualien County's Xincheng Township Tuesday (Sept. 23). The 12:35 p.m. accident killed one fraud suspect and injured two officers during prisoner transport. One officer sustained facial injuries while another suffered a fractured right leg.
The police vehicle lost control on the waterlogged highway section, flipping multiple times before striking the median. Severe impact deformed the car and shattered windshields as smoke rose from the wreckage. The crash nearly caused a complete vehicle overturn. Emergency responders arrived quickly to extract the occupants from the damaged vehicle.
Officer Tai, 29, sustained facial injuries but remained conscious throughout the ordeal. His partner, Officer Li, also 29, suffered a fractured right leg in the collision. The transported fraud suspect, Lin, 37, died at 2:14 p.m. after emergency transport to a local hospital. Emergency responders broke open the severely damaged vehicle to rescue all three occupants. Concerned bystanders assisted authorities and helped alert emergency services to the scene.
Investigators continue examining the crash scene to determine the exact cause of the hydroplaning incident. The accident underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face during routine prisoner transport duties. Community members responded quickly to assist emergency responders at the crash site. The waterlogged highway conditions contributed to the vehicle losing control on Provincial Highway 9. ◼