A woman employed at a horror-themed escape room in Taipei who lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital has died, her family said yesterday, urging the city government and the operator to review regulations and practices to prevent similar tragedies.
The woman’s brother and cousin, together with former employees of the escape room, held a news conference in Taipei.
They were accompanied by Democratic Progressive Party Taipei city council candidate Chen Sheng-wen (陳聖文).
Photo: CNA
The 29-year-old woman, surnamed (吳), had worked at the company for about three years and was passionate about her job, but had not been properly protected, her cousin said, reading a statement on behalf of Wu’s mother.
Taipei City Fire Department first responders found Wu in a state of cardiac and respiratory arrest when they arrived at the scene after receiving an emergy call at 7:41pm on Sunday.
Wu was playing the role of a ghost who had died by hanging.
Wu’s mother said she was not only seeking justice for her daughter, but also speaking up for young people working in high-risk environments.
She called on the judiciary to clarify the truth about the case, the authorities to determine responsibility and for reforms in the industry to prevent further tragedies.
Wu’s brother said his family wants to know what happened, and asked that judicial authorities investigate whether the operator was negligent, including in areas such as scenario design and prop safety.
He also urged the city government to comprehensively review safety standards for escape rooms and immersive experience venues, and establish clear regulations.
A former employee of the escape room said he had previously performed the same role as Wu and once lost consciousness while on the job.
He initially thought it was due to inexperience, but after similar incidents occurred five to six times, he began to suspect something was wrong.
Performers were required to stand on interlocking foam mats and use real ropes while wearing masks, he said, adding that the room was not equipped with surveillance cameras and was completely dark, making it difficult for colleagues to notice if anything was wrong.
Wu’s family filed a complaint against the operator, and police have since referred the case to the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office for investigation, on suspicion of negligence causing serious injury.
In a separate statement, Chen said Wu died at about 11am yesterday, and a joint examination would be conducted by prosecutors and police at Taipei Medical University Hospital.
The family would also file for a charge of negligent homicide against the company’s owner, he added.
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