5 dead, 40 injured in bus crash on Suhua Highway

Five people died and 40 were injured after a tour bus crashed on the Su’ao to Hualian Highway (Highway 9) near Su’ao, Yilan County this afternoon, March 16.

Emergency services received reports of the bus crash at the 115 kilometer south mark at 4:29 pm. Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched from stations in Su’ao, Nan’ao, and Guanyin Townships. Civilian ambulances were also dispatched from from St Mary’s Hospital in Luodong, along with surgeons and nurses.

According to United Daily News, the bus was carrying 45 people, including the driver. Five people lost vital signs at the scene, 10 were seriously injured, and 30 suffered minor injuries. The injured were sent to hospitals in Su’ao and Luodong.

According to reports, the bus hit a retaining wall before coming to rest against the guardrail on the other side of the road, completely blocking traffic in both directions.

The passengers were part of a tour group from Xindian District, New Taipei City who were returning from a two-day tour of Hualien.

According to Apple Daily, the bus driver, Mr You, told reporters that the brakes had failed.

Apple Daily reported that the bus driver had some slight head trauma and limb pain, but insisted on staying at the scene of the accident until all of the other injured had been taken care of.

https://youtu.be/APkpfMNq3FM
injured passengers await help after crash
bus seen blocking road after crash
The crashed bus completely blocked traffic in both directions.
traffic backed up 2 kilometers from site of crash
Traffic backed up 2 kilometers from site of crash.
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