A student died yesterday after falling into a valley while hiking on the Nan'ao Ancient Trail in Yilan. The Forestry Bureau reiterated today that the trail remains closed due to damage from a recent typhoon and urged tourists not to visit.
A Gong-surnamed student from the National Chung Hsing University Mountaineering Club and five other club members hiked the Nan'ao Ancient Trail in Yilan yesterday. During the hike, the student fell about 50 meters into a stream valley, suffering multiple fractures. Despite being airlifted by an Air Rescue Squadron helicopter, the student was pronounced dead.
The Forestry Bureau’s Luye Forest District Office reiterated today that the Nan'ao Ancient Trail has been closed since July 25 due to multiple landslides caused by Typhoon Matmo. It has not yet reopened. Given the recent unstable weather conditions in the area, the public is advised to avoid entering the mountains to prevent further accidents.
The Luye Forest District Office stated that due to severe collapses near the entrance of the Nan'ao Ancient Trail, making progress nearly impossible, further investigation is needed into how the National Chung Hsing University Mountaineering Club managed to venture deeper into the mountainous area. 1030806
(CNA)