A bus crashed into a wall outside Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport early yesterday morning, injuring 31 people, including 22 foreign travelers, the Tourism Administration said.
The incident occurred at 1:35am when a Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport bus operating Route 1819 made a left turn after departing from the bus station at Terminal 1.
The bus’ windshield was cracked, and its front bumper and door were dented in the impact.
Photo courtesy of the Aviation Police Bureau
The crash resulted in injuries to the driver and 30 passengers, most of whom sustained contusions and minor lacerations.
The injured passengers were taken to five hospitals and discharged before noon.
Among the injured were 22 foreign nationals: 11 from South Korea, four each from Japan and Myanmar, two from France, and one from Malaysia, according to local media.
The Tourism Administration said that because the foreign nationals were independent travelers, contacting them was difficult due to privacy regulations.
However, it promised to assist them if they request help, it added.
Following the incident, the airport operator immediately formed a task force and held the bus company accountable.
In a recorded statement, Lin Wei-shao (林威邵), an official with the Aviation Police Bureau, said an on-site test ruled out driving under the influence.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, the Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office said overwork was unlikely to have been a factor, adding that the driver had a day off on Wednesday and had been on duty for only 15 minutes at the time of the crash.
The driver might have failed to pay attention while navigating the turn, the office said.
Both the driver and the bus company could face penalties if found responsible, it added.
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