Pingtung County cleanup worker killed in waste‑truck accident
On July 20, a waste‑truck operated by the Hengchun Town Office in Pingtung County was collecting garbage on Daguang Road when a cleanup crew member, identified as Mr Shi, fell from the rear step of the moving vehicle. He struck his head on the ground, sustaining severe traumatic brain injury. He was rushed to Hengchun Tourist Hospital, then transferred to Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where he died on July 23 after life support was withdrawn.
The driver, Mr Zhou, tested a blood‑alcohol level of zero. In response, the Hengchun Town Office has temporarily prohibited any personnel from standing on the rear step of waste‑truck beds while the vehicle is in motion and is reviewing safety procedures for field crews.
The incident prompted local authorities to emphasize stricter occupational‑safety measures for municipal sanitation workers.
Entities: Chen Youzhen · Hengchun Town Office · Pingtung County Government · Shi (cleanup worker) · Taichung · Taichung Third Police Division · Taiwan · Zhou (driver)