Kaohsiung traffic accidents claim two motorcyclist lives

Two separate fatal traffic collisions occurred in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. On July 31, a linked truck turned right at the intersection of Fenglin Road and Yan Hai Road, failing to see a motorcycle traveling straight on a crosswalk. The collision knocked the motorcycle down, and a 78‑year‑old female passenger was run over and killed, while the 69‑year‑old male rider survived with injuries. Police reported no alcohol involvement and said the truck driver faces a charge of negligent homicide.

A second incident on August 1 involved a 34‑year‑old driver who, after using a drug known as “zombie‑cigarette,” ran a red light and turned left, striking a motorcyclist on Success Road. The motorcyclist, a man in his 60s, was dragged for about 350 metres, the bike caught fire, and he later died from his injuries. The driver fled the scene before being stopped, tested positive for the drug, and was arrested on charges of negligent homicide, hit‑and‑run and public endangerment.