TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An 18-year-old soldier was critically injured in Taichung on Monday during the final round of a live-fire drill.
The accident occurred at the Chenggongling base when a conscript surnamed Shao (邵) was firing a T91 assault rifle, per
ETtoday. The gun discharged unexpectedly, causing catastrophic injuries to the left side of his face, and he was rushed to Lin Shin Hospital for treatment.
Major General Cheng Chieh-yuan (鄭傑元), political warfare director of the 10th Army Corps, said Tuesday that checks ruled out weapon malfunction and faulty ammunition. He added that surveillance footage from the range has been handed to Taichung prosecutors.
Cheng said Shao enlisted in May and was assigned to the 234th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in August. At 4:50 p.m. Monday, he was conducting routine training with three magazines totaling 27 rounds. He was the last shooter on the line, and the accident occurred with the final round.
An instructor standing behind him and on-site medics provided immediate first aid before escorting him to the hospital. Shao’s parents were notified at 5:15 p.m. and arrived later that evening; military officials accompanied them through surgery and intensive care.
Cheng said all rifles are inspected before use and post-incident checks showed no chamber damage. Since all other soldiers had finished firing, accidental fire from another gun was also ruled out. He also dismissed reports that a posture change caused the accident. The military said it will not release the video during the ongoing investigation.
Wei Ching-yueh (魏經岳), head of plastic surgery at Lin Shin Hospital, said Shao suffered extensive wounds from his upper jaw to his cheekbone and eye socket, with severe bone and soft-tissue damage. Hospital president Lin Ming-hui (林明輝) said that after an 11-hour surgery, Shao’s blood loss was under control and doctors deemed him fit for transfer.
He was moved to Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday for further treatment.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/6205986
