Tearful Jason Hu thanks hospital staff, everyone who has prayed for his wife

Taichung Mayor Jason Hu (胡志強) broke down in front of the press yesterday when talking about the condition of his wife, Shaw Hsiao-ling (邵曉鈴).

Shaw remains in critical condition, although she has improved slightly since Saturday night's car accident that cost her her spleen and part of her left forearm.

Hu, who suffered only minor injuries in the accident, made his first public appearance since the crash at a press conference at Chimei Hospital in Tainan County yesterday afternoon.

"I hope everyone can help me," said Hu, who broke into tears. "Thanks to everyone who has been praying for my wife and showing their concern for my wife in the past few days. I believe this has helped my wife."

"Taiwan has a kind society. Every Taiwanese has a kind heart," he said. "I wanted to thank the doctors from Chimei Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital and others who have helped my wife."

Hu's daughter and son released a joint statement yesterday, saying "our mother is a good person. We hope she will recover soon."

Chimei Hospital superintendent Chan Chi-shean (詹啟賢) told a press conference yesterday that Shaw's heart and lung functions had improved yesterday.

"She was able to open her eyes and she also could feel pain, indicating her brain is functioning better," Chan said.

"While her condition is improving, she remains in crisis. The next hours will be critical," Chan said.

Saturday night's accident took place on the northbound section of the Formosa Freeway in Tainan County as Hu and his wife were heading back to Taichung from Kaohsiung after campaigning for Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Kaohsiung candidate Huang Chun-ying (黃俊英).

Their car was hit by a vehicle that was trying to pass a truck.