Highway Cop Dies in the Line of Duty

A Highway Police officer died today after a truck plowed into the back of his patrol car as he was parked on the road shoulder behind a broken down car. Five others were injured in the accident.

At around 11:00am Officer Chen and Officer Yang pulled up behind the broken down car On Freeway 3 in Hsinchu County to improve visibility and prevent a rear-end accident as a tow truck prepared to move the vehicle.

A truck then rear-ended the patrol car, which crumpled as it burst through the steel guardrail. The truck then hit the broken down van, crushing it against the tow truck.

Officer Chen was rushed to the Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch but was declared dead at 1:00pm.

Officer Yang and 4 others were treated for light injuries and sent to Mackay Memorial Hospital.

Suspected Drug Driving

The truck driver, Huang Zhilong, 41, was arrested after evidence of drug use was found in his vehicle. Police found a device for smoking amphetamine, and although no drugs were found, suspect Huang to have been driving under the influence.

Huang denied being under the influence of drugs and said the accident had occurred as he tried to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of him. Huang has previous drug convictions.

Dead on the Eve of Father’s Day

Chen Qirui, 43, was described by colleagues as a devoted family man with one son. He didn’t drink, smoke, or socialize much. Tomorrow August 8 is celebrated as father’s day in Taiwan as 8-8 sounds like the Chinese word for “dad” (baba).

One of Chen’s colleagues said: “How can God be so cruel, to take away a good father on the eve of Father’s Day?”

Source: Liberty Times Network

Taiwan English News is an independent publication with no corporate funding. If you found this article informative, and would like to support my work, please buy me a coffee or support me on Patreon. Subscribe to Taiwan English News for free to receive the latest news via email. Advertising queries are welcome. Share, like, comment below.