Police say New Taipei driver deliberately tried to hit victims

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Police said the driver responsible for the fatal car crash in New Taipei that killed three and injured 12 deliberately hit people.

On May 19, a 78-year-old man surnamed Yu (余), struck pedestrians while driving at a high speed. The victims were mostly students near Bei Da Elementary School in Sanxia District.

The New Taipei City Police Department’s Sanxia Precinct said investigators inspected the site of the accident. A task force also observed surveillance footage, dashcam videos, and analyzed Yu’s vehicle.

Yu had been reportedly driving aimlessly for 20 minutes before accelerating. He died from his injuries before he could be properly questioned about his motive.

Investigators noted Yu’s high speed and the absence of skid marks on the road, which would have indicated an attempt to slow down. Based on this evidence, investigators determined that Yu possessed a deliberate intent to ram into the victims.

Police said the case has been transferred to the New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office on suspicion of homicide and other offenses. However, Yu’s death complicates the criminal investigation.

According to Taiwan's criminal procedures, if a suspect passes away during an investigation, prosecutors will issue a non-prosecution decision. This means prosecutors must drop the charges, since criminal proceedings cannot go on after the suspect's death.

The New Taipei prosecutors said that victims and their families may still seek compensation after Yu’s death. His estate remains subject to civil claims, they said.