Elderly Cleaner Dies In Horrific Freight Elevator Accident At Taiwan Eye Clinic
A 66-year-old cleaner in Taiwan died in a horrific industrial accident after she became trapped in a freight elevator at an eye clinic in Tainan.
The tragic incident happened around noon on Tuesday (19 May) at the Tainan Shin Ho Mei Eye Clinic, shocking both staff and nearby residents.
According to local reports, the cleaner, surnamed Su, was inside the freight elevator cleaning it when the lift suddenly moved upward unexpectedly, resulting in fatal injuries.
Authorities said the impact was so severe that her body and head ended up on separate floors of the building.
Freight Elevator Allegedly Moved Suddenly During Cleaning
Police were alerted shortly after the accident and quickly cordoned off the clinic for investigations.
Preliminary findings indicated that Ms Su had been cleaning the inside of the freight elevator when it suddenly travelled from the first floor to the second floor.
Taiwanese media reports suggested the elevator may have malfunctioned, though investigators have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the incident.
Authorities are currently examining whether the tragedy was linked to mechanical failure, operational errors, or possible safety negligence.
Reports also stated that Ms Su may have briefly leaned out of the elevator after hearing someone call out to her moments before the accident occurred.
Police confirmed there were no surveillance cameras installed inside the elevator, and the victim was alone at the time of the incident.
Elevator Found To Be Unregistered
Following the accident, officials from the Tainan City Public Works Bureau conducted an inspection at the clinic.
Investigators reportedly discovered that the freight elevator involved in the accident had not been officially registered or placed under proper regulatory management.
Under Taiwanese regulations, elevators are required to be registered and routinely monitored by government authorities for safety compliance.
The elevator has since been suspended from use.
The building owner may face a fine of up to NTD300,000, which is approximately S$12,160.
Clinic Suspends Operations After Incident
In a Facebook statement released on 20 May, the eye clinic expressed regret over the tragedy and extended condolences to the victim’s family.
The clinic also apologised to members of the public and said it would fully cooperate with ongoing investigations.
At the same time, the clinic urged netizens not to spread unverified claims circulating online, saying some posts had contained inaccurate information that caused additional distress to staff and those involved.
The clinic later announced it would temporarily suspend operations until 25 May while handling internal matters related to the incident.
The case has sparked renewed discussions in Taiwan about workplace safety standards, especially involving older buildings and industrial equipment such as freight elevators.