Heavy snow and poor visibility cause a Taiwan group's accident in Iceland — latest update from tourism bureau: only 2 with minor abrasions

▲A Taiwan tour group was involved in a car accident in Iceland. (Photo / Screenshot from icelandmag)

Reporter Lai Wen-hsuan / Taipei

A group of 25 Taiwanese tourists was reportedly involved in a car accident in Iceland on the 22nd, with initial reports suggesting at least five people were injured, one of them seriously. The latest update from the Tourism Bureau indicates that the group was on a 10-day Iceland tour organized by Pyramid Travel Agency. It is understood that the accident occurred due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility on the road, causing the vehicle to scrape another. Two tourists sustained minor abrasions but were examined at the hospital and found to be unharmed, then returned to their hotel to rest.

After investigation, the Tourism Bureau stated that the group consisted of 25 people including the tour guide, on a 10-day Iceland trip arranged by Pyramid Travel Agency. They departed on November 17 and were scheduled to return to Taiwan on November 27. However, around 2:30 p.m. local time on November 22 in Iceland, a car accident occurred, resulting in minor abrasions for tourists Lu ○ E and Dong ○ Hua. They were examined at a local hospital and, being unharmed, returned to their hotel to rest.

It is understood that in recent days there has been heavy snowfall in eastern Iceland with poor road visibility. However, only a minor scrape occurred, resulting in slight abrasions for two group members. Today, all members have been transported back to Reykjavik city proper. The following itinerary will include a guided tour in the city center, with plans to return to Taiwan on Sunday.

The tour group had purchased a travel agency liability insurance policy worth NT$5 million from Wang Wang United Insurance and an additional travel accident insurance policy worth NT$3 million. After returning to Taiwan, assistance will be provided to the injured tourists in applying for relevant insurance claims.