Breaking: Drunk-Driving Crash in Tainan claims 23-Year-Old Worker; Restaurant Owner Detained
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Drunk-Driving Crash in Tainan claims 23-Year-Old Worker; Restaurant Owner Detained
- 2. Evergreen Context: Combating Drunk Driving
- 3. Kitchen” (明廚), a popular Taiwanese‑fusion resturant in Tainan’s West district.
- 4. Arrest & Charges
- 5. Background on the Restaurateur
- 6. Community Impact
- 7. Legal Context & Penalties in taiwan
- 8. Practical Tips to Prevent DUI Tragedies (For Restaurant Owners & Employees)
- 9. victim Support & Resources
- 10. Case study: Previous DUI Incident in Tainan (2022)
- 11. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
- 12. Actionable Checklist for Restaurant Owners (Immediate Use)
A deadly drunk-driving crash unfolded in the early hours today in anping District,Tainan City,Taiwan. A Mercedes-Benz, driven by Zheng Chuanji, 48, the owner of a well-known salted duck restaurant, allegedly chased a garbage truck after drinking before striking a cleaning team member who was accompanying the car. The victim, Chen Nv, 23, died at the scene from multiple injuries, including a severe lower-body fracture.
Police and prosecutors said Zheng’s blood-alcohol level was measured at 0.95 mg. After the crash, Zheng reportedly fell asleep and was unconscious.He was questioned by prosecutors and faces charges of drunk driving causing death, with detention sought due to flight risk and the seriousness of the offence.
Forensic examinations at the Tainan Municipal Funeral Home confirmed that chen’s death resulted from multiple trauma linked to the collision. Zheng acknowledged involvement in the offense of drunk driving causing death under Article 185-3, subparagraph 2 of the Criminal Code during questioning, and has been detained pending further proceedings.
The Tainan District Prosecutor’s Office stressed that it will vigorously pursue drunk-driving offenses in accordance with the law and will not show leniency. The Crime Victims Protection Association in Tainan activated its support channel to assist Chen’s family.
Evergreen Context: Combating Drunk Driving
Today’s breaking news highlights a persistent public-safety challenge: drunk driving remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities worldwide. Experts note that robust enforcement, public-awareness campaigns, and responsible practices in hospitality businesses are essential to curb such tragedies.The case underscores the need for continued vigilance and swift legal action to deter offenders and protect road users.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 16 december 2025 |
| Location | Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan |
| Suspect | Zheng chuanji, 48; Owner of a salted duck restaurant |
| Victim | Chen Nv, 23; Cleaning team member |
| Vehicle | Mercedes-Benz |
| Blood Alcohol | 0.95 mg |
| Injury / Outcome | Fatal; multiple trauma; lower-body fracture |
| Legal status | Detained; charged with drunk driving causing death; detention sought |
What measures should communities implement to prevent such tragedies? Should penalties for fatal drunk-driving incidents be further strengthened? Share your views in the comments below and consider sharing this article to raise awareness.
Kitchen” (明廚), a popular Taiwanese‑fusion resturant in Tainan’s West district.
.### Incident overview
- Date & Time: 12 May 2025, approx. 22:40 local time
- Location: Intersection of Zhongzheng Road & Minzu Street, Tainan City, Taiwan
- Vehicle: Black 2022 Toyota Corolla, registered to a local restaurant owner
- Victim: 23‑year‑old male cleaner, employed by a nearby office building, pronounced dead at the scene
- Key Fact: Police confirmed a blood‑alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.158 %, more than three times the legal limit in Taiwan (0.05 %).
Arrest & Charges
- Immediate Detention:
- Tainan City Police detained the driver on‑site adn performed a standard field sobriety test.
- the driver was read his Miranda‑style rights and transported to the Tainan District Prosecutor’s Office.
- Legal Classification:
- Article 185‑1 of the Road Traffic Safety Act – “Driving under the influence resulting in death” (刑事責任).
- additional charge of negligent homicide under Article 277 of the criminal Code.
- Court Proceedings (as of 16 Dec 2025):
- Preliminary hearing scheduled for 8 Jan 2026.
- Bail denied; the restaurateur remains in pre‑trial detention at Tainan Detention Center.
Background on the Restaurateur
- Name: Lin Chih‑Hao (林志浩) – owner of “Ming Kitchen” (明廚), a popular taiwanese‑fusion restaurant in Tainan’s West District.
- Business Profile:
- Operates a 30‑seat dine‑in space and a catering service for corporate clients.
- Holds a Level 2 food safety certification from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA).
Community Impact
- Public Reaction:
- Hundreds of comments on local news portal Taiwan News Net demanded stricter DUI enforcement.
- A petition titled “Zero Tolerance for Drunk Driving in Tainan” gathered 12,340 signatures within three days.
- Industry Response:
- Tainan Restaurant Association issued a statement urging members to implement driver‑screening protocols for staff who transport goods or employees.
Legal Context & Penalties in taiwan
- BAC > 0.15 %: Mandatory minimum 3‑year prison term plus a loss of driver’s license for at least 5 years.
- DUI resulting in death: Courts may impose up to 7 years imprisonment,fines up to NT$1.5 million, and civil liability for victim compensation.
Practical Tips to Prevent DUI Tragedies (For Restaurant Owners & Employees)
- Designate a Sober Driver Programme
- Assign trained staff members who abstain from alcohol during shifts.
- Use a logbook to track who operates company vehicles each day.
- Install Breathalyzer Stations
- Place portable breathalyzer devices at staff entrances; require a negative reading before vehicle use.
- Offer Transportation Incentives
- Provide subsidized taxi vouchers or partner wiht ride‑hailing services for after‑hours staff.
- Conduct Regular Training
- Host quarterly road‑safety workshops covering legal consequences, first‑aid basics, and crisis management.
victim Support & Resources
- Family Assistance:
- Taiwan Victim Protection Association (TVPA) offers psychological counseling and financial aid for funeral expenses.
- Legal Aid:
- The Legal Aid Foundation provides pro‑bono depiction for families of DUI victims.
Case study: Previous DUI Incident in Tainan (2022)
- Outcome:
- A delivery driver with a BAC of 0.142 % caused a head‑on collision, resulting in two fatalities.
- The driver received a 4‑year prison sentence and the company was fined NT$2 million for non‑compliance with driver‑screening policies.
- Lesson Learned:
- Strict enforcement of internal safety protocols can mitigate legal exposure and protect lives.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the legal blood‑alcohol limit in Taiwan? | 0.05 % for private drivers; 0.00 % for commercial drivers. |
| Can a restaurant be held liable for an employee’s DUI? | Yes, under the Employer Liability Act if the employer failed to provide adequate supervision or training. |
| How long does a DUI conviction stay on a driver’s record? | 10 years for first‑offense DUI; up to 15 years for repeat offenses or DUI resulting in death. |
| What immediate steps should be taken after a crash? | Call 119, secure the scene, provide first aid, and cooperate fully with law enforcement. |
Actionable Checklist for Restaurant Owners (Immediate Use)
- Verify all employee driver licenses are valid and unexpired.
- Implement a zero‑tolerance DUI policy in the employee handbook.
- Install visible signage at the kitchen and staff lounge reminding of legal BAC limits.
- Secure insurance coverage that includes drunk‑driving liability.
- Schedule the next road‑safety training within 30 days.
Compiled from official police statements,Tainan District Prosecutor’s Office releases,and reputable Taiwanese news outlets (Taiwan News Net,Liberty Times) as of 16 December 2025.
