Taiwan ambulance driver sentenced for fatal red-light crash

A court in Taichung, Taiwan, has sentenced a private ambulance driver to six months in prison for causing death by negligence after he ran a red light and collided with a motorcyclist, resulting in the rider's death. The incident occurred on the evening of March 19, 2024, when the ambulance driver, identified by the surname Huang, was taking a patient home.

Huang activated his siren and flashing lights but proceeded through the intersection of Chongde Road Section 1 and Taiyuan Road Section 3 against a red signal, despite not being on an emergency call. At the same time, a motorcyclist, surnamed Shi, was speeding through the intersection. Shi, who was traveling at approximately 65 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, collided with the ambulance.

Shi sustained severe injuries, including head trauma, chest contusions, and a fractured femur, and later died from his injuries. Initial blood tests conducted at the hospital indicated a blood alcohol content of 109 mg/dL, suggesting possible drunk driving. However, subsequent tests by the Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau on Shi's blood and ocular fluid found no traces of alcohol, opiates, amphetamines, sedatives, or other common drugs. Investigators concluded the initial positive alcohol reading was likely a false positive due to factors related to Shi's injuries or the emergency medical procedures.

The Taichung District Court ruled that Huang's actions constituted negligence, as transporting a patient home did not qualify as an emergency medical service under the law, making his use of sirens, lights, and running a red light unlawful. Although Huang admitted guilt, he was unable to reach a settlement with Shi's mother due to his financial situation, leading to the prison sentence without probation.