A 14-member hiking team from New Taipei City entered the mountains from Ruisui, Hualien on the 23rd. Originally permitted to hike the Ruisui to Wanrong section and return, they illegally ventured into the Nantou County section of the Southern Section Three. On the 28th, a hiking accident occurred near Kelekele Anshan, where 62-year-old team member Mr. Zhuang fell into a valley. Rescued by teammates, he was placed in a bivouac sack but was found dead at around 8 a.m. on the 29th. The Nantou County Fire Bureau organized a ground search team and requested simultaneous helicopter rescue. Yesterday, thick clouds prevented the helicopter from succeeding; this morning at 7:48 a.m., the helicopter took off from Taichung Airport and at 8:45 a.m. successfully airlifted the body, arriving safely at the Zhushan Training Center.
Team leader Mr. Zhang, who has a record of illegal mountain climbing, stated that the change in hiking route was a spontaneous decision made by the team members together. However, police and the fire bureau remain skeptical about this explanation and will conduct further investigations.
(China Times)