The scaffolding collapsed during the demolition project of the Old Beitou Market, causing 4 injuries. Stallholders witnessed the thrilling moment: the whole thing suddenly collapsed

A scaffolding collapse accident occurred during the demolition project of the old Beitou Market in Taipei City this morning. The scaffolding and the wall suddenly collapsed, affecting motorcycles parked nearby. Four people were injured and were sent to Zhenxing Hospital and Taipei Rongzhong Hospital respectively. Vendors at the scene recalled hearing some slight noises before the incident, and then the scaffolding "suddenly collapsed." Fortunately, market participants rushed to the scene immediately to help pull out the trapped people.

Shi Fanggen, the wife of Taipei Mayor Chiang Wanan, went to the Beitou Intermediate Market to sweep the streets at 10 a.m. today to pray for votes. She was active in the indoor market when the accident occurred. She ended her trip early after learning that the adjacent construction had collapsed. North City Council candidates Lin Xinger, Lai Yiren, Lin Yangting and Kuomintang legislator Luo Zhiqiang, who originally accompanied the street sweepers, also rushed to the scene to show concern.

Stall vendors said that although there was a slight noise before the incident, it was not easily noticed by people visiting the market. Only those who pay special attention would notice that the scaffolding was shaking. In addition, the wind was strong at the time and the site was facing the wind, so the shaking was more obvious. Another vendor pointed out that the scaffolding collapsed after the wall was demolished and the scaffolding was suspected to have lost support. The actual cause remains to be investigated.

Stall vendors also said that when the incident occurred, market people rushed in to save people immediately and helped pull out two people. Others were busy picking up their own food baskets and food boxes. Others quickly reminded them, "People come out first, don't worry about that thing. It will be troublesome if the whole thing collapses later." The thrilling scene made people sweat.

Taipei City Council candidate Myolie Lin said that it was initially understood that four people were injured at the scene and were sent to Zhenxing Hospital and Beirong respectively. The collapsed scaffolding also crushed more than 10 nearby motorcycles.

Taipei City Council candidate Lin Yangting said that the wall was being demolished at the time of the incident, which was suspected to have caused the scaffolding to collapse. Preliminary research determined that the scaffolding may have been "top-heavy", with heavier weight at the top but insufficient support at the bottom. The detailed reasons are still under investigation by relevant units.

In addition, the collapsed scaffolding also hit nearby parked locomotives. Lin Yangting said that a large number of locomotives were affected, with more than 10 locomotives parked at the scene. City staff have started to check the license plates and will assist the vehicle owners in the future, and will also hold the construction manufacturers accountable.

It is understood that the accident involved the demolition project of the Beitou Relay Market. The project was suspected to be carried out by Wangbang Construction, and the demolition work was subcontracted by it. The actual construction situation and responsibility have yet to be clarified.