Changhua: Seven students were injured, one seriously, after members of their group, which was cycling around Taiwan, were struck by a car driving on the wrong side of the road in Changhua County on Tuesday. The Changhua County Fire Bureau reported receiving a call at 10:43 a.m. about the incident on Changshui Road in Pitou Township, involving multiple injured cyclists.
According to Focus Taiwan, first responders discovered a small sedan on the wrong side of the road upon arrival, with its windshield partially imploded. Several bicycles were found smashed and tangled in front of the vehicle. The injured students were taken to the hospital, suffering from various injuries including cuts, bruises, and broken bones. A 15-year-old boy among them sustained severe head injuries and was taken to Changhua Christian Hospital. He was found to have a GCS score of 3, indicating a deep coma, and was scheduled for a CT scan before being admitted to the ICU.
Authorities noted that the driver, who also sustained head injuries, seemed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic. Identified by local news as a 40-year-old man surnamed Hsiao, he was confirmed not to have alcohol in his system at the time of the crash.
A witness described the car's trajectory as traveling on the wrong side of the road for about 100 meters before colliding with the students head-on, likening the impact to a bowling ball striking pins, without any apparent attempt to brake.
According to the police, the cyclists involved included 28 students from Kang Chiao International School in New Taipei, accompanied by two teachers and a guide. Among the participants was the son of Taipei 101 Chairperson Janet Chia, who confirmed that he was unharmed.
In response to the incident, Kang Chiao International School announced that its principal was on the way to Changhua to visit the injured. The school also stated that it was providing emotional support to students affected by the crash.