3 killed in suspected drug-impaired driving accidents in Taiwan

Taipei, May 24 (CNA) Two separate suspected drug-impaired driving incidents in New Taipei and Changhua County have left three people dead and two injured, with both drivers arrested, according to local authorities.

The incident in Changhua County involved a truck driven by a man surnamed Lee (李) crashing into a residence Friday night, killing a father and daughter and injuring the father's wife.

All three were rushed to the hospital, but the father and daughter were later pronounced dead. The driver Lee sustained minor injuries.

Police later found etomidate vape products in Lee's vehicle. The Changhua District Prosecutors Office said Lee was suspected of using multiple narcotics before driving and sought his detention on suspicion of causing death while driving under the influence of drugs, citing concerns over repeated public safety offenses.

The court granted the request Saturday night.

The second incident occurred on Saturday, when the New Taipei Fire Department received a report at around 4:30 p.m. of a collision between a car and a motorcycle in Zhonghe District. Responders found that the car had run over the motorcycle rider and her passenger.

The driver, a man surnamed Wang (王), was uninjured but incoherent, according to the city's Police Department. He tested positive in a rapid drug screening, and police found an etomidate vape cartridge and vaporizer in his possession.

Police said Wang was arrested on suspicion of offenses against public safety and violations of the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. He was transferred to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office, with investigators recommending that he be detained.

The 71-year-old motorcycle rider suffered lacerations to the back of her head and abrasions to her limbs, while her 64-year-old passenger sustained a broken right arm and multiple abrasions.

The passenger was conscious when transported to the hospital, but was later pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts.

The driver Wang first struck a curb while making a left turn, then hit the motorcycle while reversing, causing the two women to fall. He then drove forward again and ran over them, police said.