Truck accident blocks major traffic artery, causing commuter headaches in Taipei City

A single-vehicle accident involving a semi-trailer blocked a bridge between Sanchong District and Taipei this morning, causing traffic jams and major hassles as commuters were forced to divert to alternative routes to the city.

According to reports, the driver of the tractor-trailer carrying a massive steel beam lost control of his vehicle in the northbound lanes of Zhongxiao Bridge at around 5:50 am. The steel beam fell off the truck, destroying the soundproof wall of the bridge, sending debris collapsing onto the normally busy roadway below. The debris hit two parked vehicles, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The accident left the two northbound lanes completely blocked, and morning commuter traffic to Taipei City was forced to divert to alternative routes. New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi attended the New Taipei City Traffic Control Center to oversee operations. Mayor Hou ordered a thorough safety check on the bridge before it can be re-opened to traffic.

Police conducted a breath test on the driver and confirmed that he was not affected by alcohol at the time of the accident. According to the preliminary investigation, the truck was overweight by more than 10 metric tons, and the load was not properly secured.

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