1 dead, 4 injured in Alishan walkway collapse
A walkway collapse at a sightseeing platform next to the Fumei Suspension Bridge in Alishan, Taiwan on 13 Nov resulted in one fatality and four injuries.
The incident occurred at around 4.30pm when a tour group of 44 people from Miaoli County was visiting the area.
As the group stood on the platform, the wooden walkway unexpectedly broke, causing five tourists to fall approximately three metres.
Photos from the scene show the broken walkway hanging from one side.
Due to the remote location, it took 30 to 40 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, reaching the scene at around 5pm.
77-year-old woman suffers serious head injuries
Of the five tourists, 77-year-old Madam Liao sustained serious head injuries and was later declared dead at the hospital.
The other four tourists were treated for injuries ranging from minor abrasions to fractures.
Two have been discharged, while the other two remain in hospital for observation.
Source: United Daily News
Family members of the injured travelled to Chiayi County after hearing the news and are planning to file for state compensation.
The rest of the tour group expressed concern over the incident and decided to cut their trip short.
Walkway repairs scheduled for day after incident
A Chiayi County council member confirmed that the wooden viewing platform and walkway had been in disrepair for some time.
Source: ETtoday
A NT$7.14 million (approximately S$294,000) renovation project had been approved, with work scheduled to begin on 14 Nov — just one day after the walkway collapse.
As construction had not yet started, the area was not cordoned off prior to the accident.
Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang has ordered an investigation into the incident and announced that inspections and safety management of wooden structures in tourist areas would be enhanced.
Magistrate Weng also pledged support from the county government for the families of the five tourists involved in the accident.
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Featured image adapted from United Daily News and United Daily News.
