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.
Taiwan English News is an independent publication with no corporate funding. If you found this article informative, and would like to support my work, please buy me a coffee or support me on Patreon. Subscribe to Taiwan English News for free to receive the latest news via email. Advertising queries are welcome. Share, like, comment below.