Man Dies After Jumping From Truck During Taiwan Procession, Hit by Palanquin Vehicle

A tragic accident occurred during a religious procession in Toucheng, Yilan, Taiwan, resulting in the death of a 71-year-old man. The incident unfolded when firecrackers accidentally fell into the bed of a small truck carrying participants. The resulting thick smoke prompted the man, identified as Mr. Chiang, to jump from the moving vehicle in an attempt to escape. Unfortunately, a large truck transporting a deity palanquin, which was following closely behind, was unable to avoid hitting him. The driver of the palanquin truck, a 60-year-old man identified as Mr. Chang, reportedly had his vision obscured by the smoke. Mr. Chiang was found to have no vital signs at the scene and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead due to severe head trauma. Police investigations indicated that Mr. Chiang was not run over by the truck's wheels, and the blood at the scene appeared to be from his head injury. The driver of the palanquin truck tested negative for alcohol. Authorities noted that carrying passengers in the rear of a small truck is illegal and will result in a fine. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.