TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Minister of Transportation and Communications said on Monday (Nov. 6) that an investigation is underway into the tragic accident involving a tour bus overturned on Taipingshan in Ilan a day earlier.
The driver, 48, named Kuo, claimed that the brakes of the tour bus failed, leading to its eventual crash into a barrier and overturn. The accident resulted in 38 injuries and one fatality.
The bus carried 40 passengers, including environmental volunteers from the Bade District of Taoyuan City and a tour guide visiting the Taiping Mountain National Forest Recreation Area. The accident happened when they were descending the mountain.
Police investigations have ruled out drink-driving as Guo tested negative for alcohol. Early indications suggest that the brake system failed, and Guo unsuccessfully attempted to use the handbrake.
Regrettably, the accident claimed the life of a 70-year-old woman. As of Monday morning, 23 people have been discharged from the hospital, while 15 remain under observation and treatment.
Various authorities, including the Highway Bureau and the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board, are investigating the cause of the accident, according to MOTC head Wang Kwo-tsai.