At approximately 10:32 a.m. on the 18th, a black van suddenly drove into a brunch restaurant located on Fuqiang Road in Hualien City. At the time, many customers were dining inside the establishment. The van broke through the glass entrance, scattering shards across the floor and causing chaos inside.
According to surveillance footage from inside the restaurant, customers were seated, waiting for their meals, or preparing to leave when the van abruptly crashed into the storefront. One customer sitting near the window was struck by the vehicle and knocked to the ground, narrowly avoiding being crushed. Staff members immediately rushed to assist, supporting the vehicle as screams filled the scene.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that the 47-year-old male driver, surnamed Su, was traveling north on Fuqiang Road and failed to stop at a red light at the intersection. Suspected to have lost control of the vehicle, Su ran the red light and drove directly into the restaurant.
A total of 13 people were injured, including the driver, nine guests (two with fractures), and three employees. Fortunately, none of the injuries are currently life-threatening. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the accident.