Taiwan Compatriots' Vehicle Plunge into River in Fujian: Seven Missing Including Lin Taiping Confirmed Dead

▲ The May 23 incident where a Taiwan tour group’s bus fell into the Jiulong River resulted in the deaths of all seven missing persons. (Photo / from mainland websites)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

They set out in high spirits, never expecting it would end in permanent separation. The “Golden-Xiamen Tulou Hot Springs Fun-Filled 4-Day Tour” organized by Hsinchu Wufu Travel Agency departed from Taiwan on May 22 to explore the attractions of Xiamen. Most of the group members were elderly friends from Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli, with the oldest being 74 years old and the youngest just 12.

However, at around noon on May 23, due to rainy and slippery roads, the tour bus fell into the Jiulong River. Following initial rescue efforts, 19 people were saved while 7 remained missing.

After an afternoon of recovery operations, the seven missing members — including Lin Taiping (68, male) and Tong Yueying (49, female) — were all found around 6:00 p.m. inside the sunken vehicle. All had been confirmed dead.

According to reports, Wufu Travel Agency, the local Chinese ground operator, the Shanghai Office of the Tourism Bureau, the Fujian Provincial Tourism Bureau, and other relevant departments have all arrived on-site to assist with handling the situation. The Travel Agents Association is also helping family members board Xiamen Airlines and Mandarin Airlines flights this evening (May 23) and tomorrow to travel to Zhangzhou to deal with follow-up matters.

Passenger List:
Chen Yuying (Tour Leader, female, 48), Chen Mingsong (male, 68), Qiu Ashun (male, 64), Qiu Wenshan (male, 61), Huang Shan (female, 51), Yang Kun (male, 50), Chen [Name Unclear]tang (male, 74), Lai Yunqi (female, 38), Zhang Fense (female, 58), Gu Yaling (female, 31), Fang Xiaofeng (male, 41), Chen Yuanli (male, 14), Chen Lihong (male, 12), Qiu Mingzhi (male, 63), Qiu Feiren (male, 59), Qiu Yingzhen (male, 53), Xu Yuexia (female, 45)

Deceased List:
Lin Taiping (68, male), Tong Yueying (49, female), Tong Azhu (46, female), Tong Ade (66, male), Tong Xuxiaoxiao (69, female), Chen Junyuan (50, male), Lai Chenyue (61, female)