Taiwan Driver on 'Zombie Drug' Kills Motorcyclist, Drags Body 350 Meters

A tragic accident in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and intensified calls for harsher penalties against drug-impaired drivers. The incident occurred on July 31 when a 34-year-old man, identified as Chen, driving a sports utility vehicle, allegedly ran a red light while making a left turn.

Chen's vehicle violently collided with a 62-year-old motorcyclist, identified as Wu, who was traveling straight through the intersection. Instead of stopping after the crash, Chen continued to drag the damaged motorcycle and its rider for approximately 350 meters. The prolonged collision eventually caused the vehicle to catch fire.

Emergency services rushed Wu to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. Police officers noted Chen's abnormal behavior and administered a drug saliva test, which returned a positive result for etonitazene, commonly known as "zombie drug." Chen was arrested at the scene.

Prosecutors have requested that Chen be detained and barred from seeing visitors, citing charges including causing death while driving under the influence, using a first-class narcotic, and fleeing the scene of an accident. A friend who was in the car with Chen was released on bail of NT$100,000. Wu's grieving family expressed outrage, with one family member stating, "Drug-impaired driving is even more outrageous than drunk driving. You never know when you'll lose control or who will die." They are demanding severe punishment, specifically advocating for corporal punishment like whipping for drug drivers.

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Drug-impaired driving is even more outrageous than drunk driving. You never know when you'll lose control or who will die.