A truck carrying a 40-foot Evergreen container flipped on its side while driving along Taiwan’s National Freeway 2 this morning (16 April), blocking traffic on the road.
The National Highway Police Bureau said at around 6.52 am local time, the truck rolled over at the Zhentou Interchange, which is 0.1 kilometres east of the freeway, blocking access in the direction of the interchange. National Freeway 2 connects Taoyuan with New Taipei City
As the accident happened during the morning rush hour, the traffic was severely curtailed.
After being informed about the incident, the police sent fire engines and ambulances to the scene. The truck driver, 53, who remained conscious, was trapped in the vehicle. Fire services rescued him, and he was sent to Taoyuan’s Min-sheng General Hospital with lacerations on his left hand and abrasions on his right foot.
A breathalyser test showed that the driver, surnamed Wei, was not intoxicated. While the cause of the accident is being investigated, the police believe that incorrect operation of the truck resulted in the vehicle flipping.
The Freeway Bureau, which has set up an emergency response team to respond to the accident, said that the affected part of the freeway remains closed. Other motorists have been advised to avoid the section.
Evergreen International Storage & Transport Corporation, the container transportation and leasing affiliate of Evergreen Marine Corporation, clarified to Container News that the truck is not part of the company’s haulage fleet.
The company said, “The inland transport of containers is the responsibility of dedicated trucking service appointed by the individual shipper. Apart from ownership of the container, Evergreen had no further involvement in the incident.”
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
