Bus collision in Taipei injures 9, operator apologizes

Taipei, April 27 (CNA) A bus collision in Taipei on Sunday injured nine people, with the operator of both buses, Metropolitan Transport Corp. (MTC), issuing an apology and promising to improve.

The incident occurred on Zhongxiao East Road Section 3 in Da'an District, involving two buses on the No. 262 route, police said.

Police reported that the driver of the second bus, a 46-year-old man, claimed that he failed to brake properly and did not maintain a safe distance, which led to his vehicle rear-ending the first bus which was stopped at a red light.

Seven passengers from the rear bus, along with the driver of the front bus and one additional passenger, were taken to four hospitals for treatment. All were conscious, with some suffering minor abrasions.

Both drivers were breathalyzed, with results showing zero blood alcohol content, police said, adding that their driving licenses were valid, and the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation.

MTC has apologized and committed to covering all medical expenses for the victims. Each person will receive NT$3,000 (US$92) in compensation, with an additional NT$1,000 to cover transportation costs on discharge.

An initial investigations indicated that the accident occurred due to the second bus driver failing to observe traffic conditions, according to the Taipei City Public Transportation Office.