Repeat offender unlicensed driver faces charges after crash injures 7

Taipei, June 13 (CNA) The chairman of a metals trading company with multiple priors for driving without a license is facing legal action in connection with a crash in Taipei last month that left seven people injured.

According to the Taipei City Police Department, the 78-year-old driver, surnamed Chiu (邱), has been discharged from the hospital and is expected to be summoned next week for questioning after seven victims filed complaints with police against Chiu over alleged negligent injury.

The accident occurred on May 23 when Chiu, driving without a license, struck two scooters, three cars, and a bus while traveling south on Chongqing South Road. Eight people, including Chiu himself, were hospitalized.

Police said Chiu was not intoxicated at the time. He was admitted to hospital after the crash for high blood pressure and transferred to a general ward on May 28 before being discharged.

Among the injured was a 79-year-old pedestrian who suffered a broken leg and was moved to intensive care, and a Tesla owner whose vehicle sustained serious damage.

Authorities said they are investigating whether additional charges, including public endangerment, may be warranted following Chiu's questioning.

Chiu has a history of traffic violations, including multiple instances of unlicensed driving.

According to police records, Chiu has committed four traffic offenses since 2019, including two cases of driving without a license (in 2021 and 2023), one illegal right turn (2023), and one failure to yield to a pedestrian (2019).