TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A shuttle bus plunged into a 30-to-40-meter (98-to-131-foot) ravine in Nantou County, central Taiwan, on Monday (March 9). The crash at Sun Link Sea Forest Recreation Area (杉林溪森林遊樂區) killed one passenger and injured seven others. The accident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time, trapping all eight occupants inside the wreckage.
The Fire Bureau of Nantou County Government (南投縣消防局) deployed rescue teams from the Third Fire Control Group (第三大隊) and seven local branches. Crews from Xinyi (信義), Nantou (南投), Mingjian (名間), Songboling (松柏嶺), Shuili (水里), Zhushan (竹山), and Lugu (鹿谷) responded to the scene. Rescuers extricated all eight passengers, but a 66-year-old man surnamed Chen (陳) showed no vital signs and was transported to a hospital.
Of the eight passengers aboard the shuttle bus, one died at the scene, four sustained severe injuries, and three suffered minor wounds, according to fire officials. Witnesses near the recreation area reported hearing a loud noise shortly before the crash, prompting them to immediately contact emergency services. The exact cause of the accident remains under active investigation by Nantou County authorities.
Authorities are working to confirm the identities of all passengers involved in the crash and determine the precise circumstances that caused the shuttle bus to veer off the mountain road. Sun Link Sea Forest Recreation Area, located in the mountains of central Taiwan, is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic forest trails. Officials have urged visitors to exercise caution and monitor official announcements while the investigation continues. ◼
