Changhua court sentences 2 over April school group cycling crash

Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) The Changhua District Court on Tuesday sentenced a man surnamed Hsiao (蕭) to six years and eight months in prison for crashing into a student cycling group while driving under the influence of drugs in April.

The court also sentenced a man surnamed Chen (陳) to 10 years and four months for supplying Hsiao with etomidate and helping him use heroin and methamphetamine, and confiscated NT$2,500 (US$81.38) in illegal gains, under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.

The crash occurred at around 9 a.m. on April 22, when 41-year-old Hsiao drove the wrong way at a high speed on Changshui Road in Pitou Township and struck the group of students from Kang Chiao International School who were cycling around Taiwan.

Seven were hospitalized, including one who was seriously injured.

Hsiao was also hurt but failed to report for questioning after his release from hospital and was later detained.

The Changhua District Prosecutors Office said he had used heroin and methamphetamine the night before the crash and smoked an electronic cigarette containing etomidate the next morning, rendering him unable to drive safely.

Prosecutors said Hsiao had a record of drug use dating back to 2003 and multiple prison terms.

The ruling can be appealed.