Funeral service company faces punishment over early cremation

Taipei, Sept. 5 (CNA) A funeral service company in Hsinchu City is facing punishment by the city government after mistakenly cremating a body ahead of schedule on Thursday, sparking a confrontation between the family of the deceased and company representatives, according to local authorities.

Police said they were called to the Hsinchu City Funeral Parlor Crematorium following an altercation that turned physical, injuring two people.

Although neither side filed a formal complaint, police cited three individuals under Article 87 of Taiwan's Social Order Maintenance Act, which carries fines of up to NT$18,000 (US$590) for fighting.

The incident occurred after the company cremated a body scheduled for Thursday afternoon in the morning instead.

The firm reportedly failed to verify the body's identity, which a witness told CNA prevented family members from performing a final farewell.

The company later apologized and said it had reached a compensation agreement with the family, and also pledged to review its procedures to avoid similar mistakes.

In a news release, the Hsinchu City Department of Civil Affairs said the dispute was mediated by the city's Mortuary Services Office.

Both parties agreed to allow the family to conduct prayer and worship rituals on Thursday and to hold a memorial service at a later date, with compensation still to be finalized, the department said.

The department added that it will investigate the company to determine who is responsible for the mistake and issue appropriate punishments.

The department will also work with all private contractors to strengthen protocols and prevent future errors, it said.