Couple Filipino overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) lost their lives in a tragic road accident on Monday morning after the motorcycle they were riding collided with a large truck in Luzhu District, Kaohsiung.
The fatal crash happened around 9:00 a.m. along Zhongshan South Road, an area currently affected by road narrowing due to the ongoing Kaohsiung Metro Gangshan–Luzhu Extension Line construction.
Authorities said that metro construction occupied the left side of the roadway, while a large commercial vehicle was parked on the right side, outside the marked traffic lane. In that brief moment, the motorcycle sideswiped a large truck, causing both riders to fall and be run over. Both were declared dead at the scene.
An employment agency representing the victims confirmed that the deceased were Filipino nationals. Initial information indicated that they were a couple, though they were employed by different companies in Taiwan.
The truck driver involved stated that he only realized what had happened after the motorcycle had already fallen. Police officers from the Luzhu Police Station immediately secured the area and conducted traffic control.
The incident has sparked concerns among migrant communities regarding safety in construction zones, particularly for motorcycle riders, who make up a large portion of OFW commuters in Taiwan. Some questioned whether sufficient warning signs were placed before the road narrowed.
In response, the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Construction Bureau said that traffic control measures were properly implemented in accordance with regulations. The bureau added that traffic cones, connecting barriers, and two volunteer traffic officers were deployed at the site to guide vehicles and remind road users to slow down.
Police emphasized that the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder for OFWs in Taiwan to exercise extra caution when commuting, especially in areas affected by road construction. Many Filipino workers rely on motorcycles for daily transportation, making awareness of changing road conditions critical to personal safety.
Authorities continue to urge all road users to reduce speed, stay alert, and remain vigilant when passing through construction zones.
May the victims rest in peace, and may this incident remind us all to prioritize safety on the road.
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