Chiayi County, Nov. 7 — Two people, including a Filipino national, lost their lives on Friday after their light truck crashed into the rear of another vehicle stalled in traffic along National Freeway 3 in Chiayi County.
According to the National Highway Police Bureau’s Eighth Police Brigade, the fatal accident occurred at around 10:20 a.m. near Zhuqi Township. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Authorities identified the victims as a 31-year-old Taiwanese driver, surnamed Lu (盧), and his 38-year-old Filipino passenger, known only as Alexander. Firefighters managed to extricate both men from the severely damaged truck, but despite being rescued alive, they later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
The driver of the heavy truck that was struck from behind, a 40-year-old man surnamed Lee (李), sustained only minor injuries, police said.
Officials are continuing to review surveillance footage and vehicle data to determine what led to the crash. The incident briefly caused traffic congestion in the area before the wreckage was cleared.