TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - A tragic incident occurred in New Taipei, Taiwan, on Monday afternoon, when a car collided with pedestrians at an intersection, resulting in the death of three individuals, including two 12-year-old girls. The driver of the vehicle, a 78-year-old man, was reported to be in a coma following the crash.

According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, police indicated that the driver entered the intersection while traffic lights were red in all directions. The car first sideswiped three scooters and a bicycle and continued to travel until it crashed into a concrete divider situated in the center of the street.

The accident took place in New Taipei, a large metropolitan area in northern Taiwan that encircles the capital city of Taipei. Eyewitness footage shared by the Central News Agency captured the chaotic scene, showing debris spread across the intersection. In the video, bystanders were seen performing CPR on two of the victims, one of whom was found behind a red scooter that lay overturned.

Among the deceased was a 40-year-old woman, along with the two junior high school students. They were attending a nearby school. In addition to the fatalities, twelve other people sustained injuries in the incident, which included seven students from the same school and a 5-year-old boy, who suffered only minor injuries, as reported by both the New Taipei government and the fire department.

Five individuals were reported to be seriously injured, including the driver himself. Police confirmed that the driver tested negative for alcohol consumption, according to the Central News Agency. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash to ascertain how such a devastating event unfolded.

The community, particularly those connected to the victims, is grappling with the aftermath of this horrific event. Calls for improved traffic safety measures have intensified in light of this tragedy, highlighting the need for vigilant adherence to traffic regulations and the vital importance of road safety for pedestrians, especially in areas frequented by children.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks pedestrians face at busy intersections, stressing the critical importance of driver awareness and responsibility. The local authorities have pledged to closely examine the circumstances surrounding the accident in hopes of preventing similar occurrences in the future.