A 62-year-old Filipina died in a highway crash in Taiwan on Aug. 19 while on her way to the airport for a flight to the Philippines.
The victim, identified as Ebelia Escalona Cortes, was riding a van with two other Filipinos, reportedly her employers, when the crash happened along Freeway No. 1 in Miaoli County.
Initial reports said the van stopped on the highway after hitting a car. The drivers of both vehicles reportedly got out to discuss the incident when a speeding sport utility vehicle (SUV) struck them.
The drivers of the van and the car were killed.
Cortes, who was seated in the third row of the van, suffered broken ribs and later went into cardiac arrest. She was declared dead at the scene.
The two other Filipinos, identified by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) as “Gloria” and “Gerald,” sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment in Taiwan.
MECO said Gloria and Gerald completed the necessary medical and immigration requirements and safely returned to Manila on Aug. 23.
Cortes’ son, Roy, appealed for assistance and called for accountability over the crash.
The victim was the family’s main breadwinner and provided financial support for her 10 children.
MECO expressed condolences to the Cortes family and assured them of assistance.
The office said it coordinated with Taiwanese police, medical institutions, immigration authorities, and other concerned agencies regarding the case.
MECO is also coordinating with the family and relevant authorities for the repatriation of Cortes’ remains, which is scheduled for Aug. 30.
The family informed MECO that it intends to pursue available legal remedies in connection with the incident.
MECO said it provided guidance to the family on the requirements for pursuing legal action in Taiwan and continues to monitor the official investigation and other proceedings.
It added that the Taiwanese media reported that the SUV driver survived and is in stable condition.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.