Drug-impaired driver kills two pedestrians after fleeing police in Taiwan

A fatal collision occurred in Taoyuan, Taiwan, when a driver suspected of drug use fled from police and crashed into two pedestrians, killing them. The incident happened Tuesday evening when officers on patrol noticed the suspect's car swerving erratically and signaled him to stop.

Instead of complying, the 30-year-old man, identified by the surname Chang, accelerated and led police on a high-speed chase through the city's main roads. During the pursuit, the vehicle ran multiple red lights and weaved dangerously. The chase ended abruptly at the intersection of Jingguo Road and Tianxiang 3rd Street when Chang lost control of the car, causing it to skid and collide with two male pedestrians.

The impact was severe, with the car's engine reportedly ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle then struck a traffic light pole and a power transformer before coming to a halt. Witnesses described the car traveling at extreme speeds before skidding and hitting the two individuals who were waiting by the roadside.

Emergency services responded quickly, transporting the victims, aged approximately 60 and 40, to nearby hospitals. Both suffered extensive injuries, including severe head trauma and open fractures, and were pronounced dead after resuscitation efforts failed. Chang, who was unconscious from the crash, sustained fractures to his ankle and thigh and was taken to another hospital. Police found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and confirmed Chang tested positive for amphetamines. He is being investigated for offenses including endangering public safety, drug use, and negligent homicide.