A hiker participating in a climb on the southern section three of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range was unable to walk today due to a foot injury and requested rescue. Helicopters from the Air Rescue Squadron made two attempts but had to turn back both times due to thick cloud cover.
The Nantou County Fire Bureau reported that the hiking group consists of eight members. They entered the mountains from Hualien County on the 4th and were scheduled to descend via the Jundai Forest Road in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, on the 15th. While traveling through the area of Kelekelean Mountain and Tiannan Kalan Mountain in the morning, a 48-year-old team member surnamed Ye suffered from a swollen foot injury and was unable to continue, prompting the rescue call.
Because the location is remote and at least five days of travel are required to reach the site, the fire bureau first deployed four police and volunteer firefighters. It also requested an Air Rescue Squadron helicopter to transport additional rescue personnel from Shuili Township to the mountain. However, after two flights, the mission was aborted both times as thick clouds prevented access. Another aerial rescue attempt is planned for tomorrow morning. 1030610
(Central News Agency)