A 33-year-old female hiker surnamed Li from Kaohsiung City and a male guide surnamed Huang attempted to climb Qilai Mountain. Around 5:00 PM on the 29th, Ms. Li fell into a valley and became trapped at the 5.8 km mark on the gravel slope near Chenggong Shelter. While still conscious, she called for help. On the morning of the 30th, the Air Rescue Squadron dispatched a Black Hawk helicopter for the rescue mission. However, when they found Ms. Li, she had already passed away. Her body was hoisted and transported to Nantou Stadium, where it was handed over to authorities for investigation.
The Hualien County Fire Bureau received a report at 5:30 PM the day before yesterday stating that a female hiker surnamed Li had lost her way and slipped onto a gravel path while descending from Qilai Mountain Lodge toward Chenggong Mountain Lodge. She had not yet reached the three-way junction near Qilai Main and North Peaks. She reported being unable to move her arms or legs and requested rescue.
Further investigation showed that Ms. Li and the male guide surnamed Huang had traveled together from the 28th to the 30th to climb Qilai Main and North Peaks. They arrived at Qilai Mountain Lodge on the 29th and then separated to descend. The guide returned later and, upon reaching Chenggong Mountain Lodge, did not find Ms. Li. It was therefore inferred that she was located somewhere between the three-way junction near Qilai Main and North Peaks and the gravel slope dry gully section between Qilai Mountain Lodge and Chenggong Mountain Lodge.
Consequently, the Hualien County Fire Bureau immediately dispatched search personnel in coordination with the Taroko National Park Administration, the Taroko Police Squad, and conducted an overnight mountain rescue operation. They also asked the male guide surnamed Huang and other hikers at Qilai Mountain Lodge to assist in the initial search. On the morning of the 30th, they requested helicopter support for aerial reconnaissance to aid ground personnel in the search. At around 11:00 AM on the 30th, the helicopter spotted the female hiker surnamed Li at the bottom of a cliff within the 5.8 km dry gully area where searchers had been focusing their efforts. Unfortunately, she had already passed away. Her body was subsequently hoisted and transported to Nantou County Stadium, awaiting forensic examination by authorities.
(China Times)