Family of three narrowly escapes as giant boulder crushes car on Taiwan's Suhua Highway

A family of three narrowly escaped serious injury when a massive boulder, weighing over 50 kilograms, plummeted onto their car on Taiwan's Suhua Highway. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon around 3 p.m. along the Taichung-Nanao section of Provincial Highway 9.

The vehicle, a sport utility vehicle, was traveling when the roughly 30-centimeter-diameter rock fell from the mountainside. It struck the car's hood, causing extensive damage and leaving the front of the vehicle completely destroyed. The driver, identified as a 35-year-old woman, and her two parents, who were passengers, managed to escape the vehicle unharmed but were understandably shaken by the terrifying experience.

Witnesses described the scene as shocking, noting that a slight shift in the impact point could have resulted in a tragedy. The fallen boulder blocked traffic temporarily, drawing the attention of other motorists. Police were notified, and highway maintenance crews were called to clear the obstruction. A tow truck removed the damaged vehicle shortly after 4 p.m., and the highway was reopened for two-way traffic.

Following the incident, the Su-ao Police Precinct issued a warning to drivers using the Suhua Highway. They advised motorists to reduce speed and remain vigilant due to the increased risk of falling rocks and trees in the mountainous terrain. Recent seismic activity and rainfall have contributed to unstable slopes in the area, making travel hazardous.