Category：Offbeat

Chiayi woman runs in traffic and jumps in water fountain

A scantily clad woman was seen running through traffic and eventually entering a fountain near a roundabout on Zhongshan Road in Chiayi City, on Tuesday evening. Witnesses were stunned and concerned about her safety. When the police arrived on the scene, the woman’s speech was incoherent and she was eventually taken to the hospital by cops.

Wearing shorts and a long-sleeved shirt, a woman with long hair was seen playing in a fountain. Onlookers remained stunned and wondered if the roundabout fountain had transformed into an amusement park somehow.

- Miss, Miss!
What’s wrong?
- I’m out of place
- You’re out of place?
Do you want to call an ambulance?

When the police arrived on the scene, the woman was still walking in the fountain. It was difficult for them to persuade her to get out of the water, she continued to ramble.

- What are you doing here?
- I also don’t know
- You don’t know?
Do you live here?
- I forgot.

Around 9pm on Tuesday, a 25-year-old woman jumped into one of Chiayi’s most iconic landmarks, a fountain roundabout. Locals began to record her as she ran through the traffic and jumped in the water to play.

- What, what is she doing here? Is she on drugs?

As cars passed by, they had to come to abrupt stops as to not hit the woman. Finally the police convinced the woman to be taken to a hospital.

Hsieh Cheng-che
Chief of Police Station in Chiayi
Officers found the woman looking dazed and incoherent as she entered the fountain to play in the water. After some persuasion, the woman agreed to be taken to a hospital.

The woman seemed to be mentally unstable and requiring medical attention. Thankfully no one was hurt during her puzzling actions.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#chiayi #roundabout #waterpark #fountain #chiayifountain

2026-11-11

Election campaigning heats up as fireworks almost hit scooter rider

Election campaigning is getting explosive in Taichung! A motorcyclist had a close call when fireworks suddenly erupted right in front of him as he rode through a narrow alley, forcing him to swerve to avoid the flying sparks and nearly sending him crashing to the ground. The rider later joked online that dodging fireworks wasn’t part of his driving test, while others wondered if he’d accidentally entered an obstacle course. The fireworks were apparently set off by supporters of a borough chief candidate who were canvassing for votes.

A scooter rider is zipping through narrow alleyways, when out of nowhere, boom! Fireworks fill the street. The rider rushes to escape, weaving to the side to dodge sparks and almost sliding to the ground. Later on social media he wrote, “From what I remember, dodging fireworks wasn’t on the driving test!” Others chimed in, wondering if it was a brand new obstacle course.

Voice of scooter rider
Dodged fireworks
At the time, I was hesitant on whether to go forward or not, because it looked scary. I was shocked. My ears were ringing.

Voice of local ressident
Was scared
It scared me. You shouldn’t set off firecrackers at the intersection.

Voice of local
Finds firecrackers dangerous
If they blow up near someone, that could cause quite a lot of unnecessary trouble.

So who set off the fireworks? Security camera footage shows that at the time, a candidate for borough warden was canvassing for votes. It is thought one of his supporters ignited the pyrotechnics to liven up the neighborhood.

Voice of campaign staff
Denies launching fireworks
I’m telling you, I didn’t set them off. I’ve got nothing to do with it.

The incident happened in the evening rush hour in Taichung’s Wuri District, at an intersection between Chenggong East Road and an alley connecting to Xuetian Road. The fireworks almost hit road users passing by.

Chang Yue-teng
Police officer
We dispatched officers to investigate the site and review security camera footage to determine who was involved and summon them to the police station.

The elections are just around the corner, and campaigning is heating up, literally. But remember that even though fireworks are showy and attention-grabbing, they could land you a fine of up to NT$2,400.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#fireworks #sparks #campaign #election #taichung

2026-11-10

Baffled Keelung taxi driver watches men fight over ride

Some people are just looking to pick a fight, even over a taxi! A little after 1am one night in Keelung, two strangers were outside the entrance to Miaokou Night Market trying to hail a cab. When a car pulled up, the two men went to blows, ending up with contusions on both of their faces.

Two men grapple each other on a curb as bystanders rush in to separate them, even as a child stands off to the side watching. What caused the fight? Police said the strangers Chiang, who threw the first punch, and Chen had both been drinking and were arguing over a cab.

Member of public
Keelung resident
There are lots of taxis here. Another one would have come in no time.

Member of public
Keelung resident
There’s a lot of foot and vehicle traffic here. There’s no need to fight over a cab. They were both probably drinking.

The brawl happened just outside Miaokou Night Market in Keelung. The driver said that the two men were standing close to each other, so when he pulled up, he was stunned to see them start fighting. Both men left with bloody faces, but neither got into the taxi. They ended up at the police station instead.

Taxi driver
Involved in incident
I had no idea if they were together or not. They were standing right next to each other. It’s weird to fight over something like this. Why?

Yu Ta-lun
Police officer
Although neither party pressed assault charges, regarding the breach of public order, police are still handling the case in accordance with the Social Order Maintenance Act.

While neither side pressed charges, losing composure like that after drinking—and in front of a child, no less—sets the worst possible example.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#fight #brawl #Keelung #taxi #streetbrawl #publicorder #police

2026-11-10

’You look like my sister:’ Tense quarrel turns to threats on train

A woman on a train was jolted into a tense standoff with a stranger, who accused her of looking like his sister. The stranger was a man who started shouting at her out of the blue, asking for an explanation about the family resemblance and getting increasingly worked up. Fortunately, a woman in a ponytail stepped in to settle situation, blocking the man with an umbrella and forcing him off the train with the help of other passengers. To make sure the man did not harass anyone any more, she even stood at the door and warning him that if he dared get back on the train, she’d beat him to death. Let’s hear more.

- Why do you look like my sister?
- How would I know?
- Nobody looks like your sister.
- You look just like her, and you show up in my life.
You mess with my life. How dare you.
- Don’t make the other passengers angry. Sit down please.
- Get off the train! Get off! Off! Off! Get off the train!
- If you dare come in, I’ll beat you to death.

Member of public
Shocked by incident
He mistook her for someone else. It’s already enough to apologize. But he was yelling at her. He crossed a line.

Member of public
Would’ve been scared too
If it were me, if someone suddenly told me that I was their brother or something, I’d be shocked as well.

The sister-lookalike posted a video of the confrontation online, thanking her ponytailed savior and the staff at the station. The Taiwan Railway says the incident happened on Sunday noon, on a local train heading north from Chiayi to Changhua. The man was kicked off the train at Shetou Station. The railway company says that nobody actually notified staff about the fight. It says that, in situations like this, it’s best to inform the train conductor immediately and let staff handle it.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#crazy #familyresemblance #taiwan #traintravel #publictransport

2026-11-09

‘I felt like it!’ Woman rips off 25 license plates from 15 cars

A woman out on a walk in Shilin on Thursday decided to spice up her afternoon by ripping off the number plates from cars parked on Shuangxi Street. She didn’t steal them, however. Once she pried them off from the vehicles she laid them neatly on the ground besides the car. Let’s hear from one of the car owners.

Mr. Lu
Left plateless
Was it some kind of performance art? I thought something major had happened. Who would’ve thought? She was so fast. She cleared more than a dozen cars in less than half an hour.

Lin Yi-chun
Police officer
After reviewing surveillance footage, the suspect was identified and tracked back to her home. She was apprehended within 3 hours.

Lee Yu-han
FTV reporter
Here at the scene of the incident, about half a dozen cars still look like this. The place where the number plate should be is empty. A notice has been posted on the windshields asking owners to go to the police station.

The woman removed a total of 25 number plates from 15 cars. Once the police was notified about the incident, officers were dispatched to take the number plates for safekeeping, and to track down the woman, surnamed Yang, who lives nearby. Asked about her motive, she simply said she was out for a walk and decided to remove the license plates because she “felt like it.” Removal tools were found in her bag. Ms. Yang’s case has been referred to the district prosecutor’s office on charges of coercion. The owners of the cars may file charges

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#numberplate #licenseplate #weird #prank #lmao

2026-11-06

Hostel guest requests refund after stranger takes her bed

A visitor to Kaohsiung was shocked when she found someone else sleeping on the bed she booked at a youth hostel after she got back from a concert. The hostel staff made the unexpected guest leave, as he had not paid for a bed, but asked the customer to change the sheets herself. She later complained and the hostel said it would give her a full refund.

A hostel guest pulled back the curtain on her bed and was shocked to find a stranger sleeping there.

Ms. Lin
Hostel guest
I saw that the curtain to my bed had been drawn and then noticed someone’s leg on the end of the bed.

Ms. Lin traveled to Kaohsiung for a concert and booked a stay at a youth hostel. But when she got back after the concert, there was a stranger in her bed. She said the hostel staff did not handle the situation well.

Ms. Lin
Hostel guest
He apologized to the staff and then left, and they just let him leave. They said they would give me a new bed sheet and pillowcase, but left the bed as it was when the guy left.

The hostel only changes its lock code once a week, so a guest from the night before was able to get back in. Although the staff made him leave, they asked Ms. Lin to change the sheets herself. Unhappy with the still-warm, messy bed, she requested a different one, but was told it was fully booked. Furious, she called the police.

Hostel staff
Anonymous
Guests have to make the bed themselves here, and we gave her new sheets right away. If she had an issue, she should have told me then, but she called the police. I think that according to regulations, I can’t give her a refund.

Voice of Yin Ma-chien
Kaohsiung consumer ombudsman
Handing the guest fresh sheets and asking them to change the bed themself is a shortcoming in service. Given that the guest had already checked in, this lack of service is grounds for a discount. If the hostel and guest cannot reach an agreement on the amount, we urge the guest to file a complaint with the city’s consumer service center as soon as possible.

Ms. Lin said she would gather evidence and continue to push for a refund. The hostel later said it was willing to give the money back, hoping to put the dispute to rest.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Kaohsiung #concert #hostel #stranger #strangerdanger #bed #sheets #service #dispute #consumer #refund

2026-11-10

Deer darts onto Taichung road, colliding with scooter

A rare traffic accident occurred in Taichung when a sambar deer suddenly darted onto the road and collided with a scooter. The scooter and rider were thrown to the ground, suffering multiple injuries. The driver was quickly taken to the hospital and thankfully recovered quickly.

A rare traffic accident occurred in Taichung when a sambar deer suddenly darted onto the road and collided with a scooter. The scooter and rider were thrown to the ground, suffering multiple injuries. The driver was quickly taken to the hospital and thankfully recovered quickly.

A car’s dashcam captured an accident on the right side of the road, as scooters hit their brakes while turning the corner. A deer dashed into the road, crashing into a scooter and bringing the vehicle and its rider down with it.

The scooter was left lying in the middle of the road, forcing riders behind to swerve out of the way. The injured deer scrambled to its feet, finally fleeing the scene in a panic.

This happened on Section 5 of Xiangshan Road in Taichung’s DaduDistrict. The crash left the scooter driver hurt, but thankfully not seriously injured.

Member of public
Driver
When you hit a deer, what if it’s a protected species? Who’s held responsible? If it were me, I’d cover the damage to my vehicle myself. But what about the deer?

An ambulance arrived and took the injured driver to the hospital, where they recovered smoothly.

Liu Yu-hao
Police officer
Drivers traveling through mountainous or rural areas where wild animals are likely to appear should remain alert to road conditions and their surroundings, and slow down to allow for more reaction time.

Scooter debris remained scattered by the scene of the accident, not far from a road sign warning to watch for deer. When drivers collide with wild animals, they have little choice but to cover the damages themselves.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#deer #sambadeer #Taichung #accident #scooter #driver #caraccident #injury #animal

2026-11-06

Man busted trying to post packages for free through TR lost-and-found

A man in Yilan thought he was being real slick with a method he came up with to avoid paying delivery fees to send packages around Taiwan. On Tuesday, the 27-year-old, surnamed Chang, sent a total of 6 packages to Shulin by abandoning them on the luggage racks inside trains. Each box said the recipient was Xi Jinping. His plan was to later go to the lost-and-found to pick up the packages for free. But the plan came crumbling down after a train driver found the packages and called the police. Let’s hear more.

Kelly Wang
FTV reporter
On the train, nobody finds it strange if there are suitcases or packages on the luggage racks. But this package destined for Xi Jinping quickly set alarms off, especially as the local elections draw near.

Su Chien-wei
Police officer
The Taiwan Railway has filed a fraud complaint. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspect was trying to save on transportation costs. He did not intend to intimidate the public, and he did not have political motives. The case has been referred to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office.

The train conductor handed the suspicious packages to the police, who used a metal detector to check for explosives. But the cardboard boxes contained nothing more than clothes and discarded receipts. The sender, Mr. Chang, says he wrote Xi Jinping on the boxes so that nobody would dare touch them. But it turns out, that was precisely what set off warning bells. Amid the current state of cross-strait ties, and the uptick in China’s repression tactics overseas, national security agencies have gotten involved. They will further investigate whether Mr. Chang has any other motives or connections.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#train #hack #sender #travel #taiwan

2026-11-05

Campaign video shows candidate almost hit by truck repeatedly

A candidate for Pingtung County councilor recently released a dramatic video to promote his campaign headquarters, showing him sitting in the middle of the road as a truck speeds straight toward him over and over. The suspenseful video grabbed people’s attention and many praised its creativity. But at the same time, filming in the middle of the road is grounds for a traffic fine.

Sir, that’s dangerous, there’s a truck coming behind you!

The video cuts right before the truck strikes, repeated over and over like he’s stuck in a nightmare. This is a promotional video for a politician’s campaign, but its suspense had viewers holding their breath.

Member of public
Young woman
I kept watching to see if he was in danger.

Member of public
Man
It’s very effective. It grabs attention.

Chiang Chia-huang
Pingtung County councilor candidate
I’m about to get hit in the video, but I actually get away. Then the truck comes again. I kept filming like this for about three hours straight.

Driver
Found filming stressful
I went back and forth 24 times. It was really stressful because if I hit him while he’s sitting there, I would be in trouble too.

This creative video definitely got a lot of views, but the candidate could get fined, because shooting a film in the middle of the roads is against the law.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#candidate #campaign #video #campaignvideo #headquarters #Pingtung #councilor #elections

2026-11-05

CBA-4589 is an obviously fake number plate. Do you know why?

Can you look at a car’s license plate and tell whether it’s a fake? Well, a shoddy counterfeit is really easy to spot. A car in Yilan was recently seen on the streets with a glaringly fake license plate, CBA-4589. One dead giveaway was the number 4, which has not been featured on license numbers since 2012, due to the number’s similar pronunciation to the word for death in Mandarin and Taiwanese. Let’s hear more.

Huang Yi-na
Yilan Motor Vehicles Office
The layout for the CBA-4589 has three digits at the front and four numbers at the back. This 3 + 4 layout is the new number plate format, which started in 2012. In the new format, number plates do not feature the number 4, so it is immediately clear that it was a fake.

Wu Ya-ling
Police officer
We identified the route and notified available officers to strengthen search and interception efforts to apprehend the suspect soon.

The number 4 does still feature on some license plates, but only in the old format containing just 6 digits. What’s more, there are also certain letter combinations that have been banned. That includes CBA, which also happens to be the initials for the Chinese Baseball Association. Riding a vehicle with a fake license plate carries fines of up to NT$72,000 and the confiscation of the vehicle.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#numberplate #funfact #numbers #puns #cba

2026-11-04