Hornet Attack in Taiwan National Park Kills Two, Injures One

A tragic incident occurred in Taiwan's Kenting National Park when three individuals exploring an unapproved coastal path were attacked by a swarm of Asian giant hornets, resulting in two deaths and one serious injury. The victims were part of a group initially scheduled for a beach cleanup event.

Around 8:50 a.m. on the day of the incident, the three members deviated from the approved cleanup zone at Xizai mouth and ventured into the "Laren Creek to Chufengbi" coastal route. This area is known to be an old, overgrown trail, rarely frequented by locals or hunters, and is not an officially designated or opened ecological protection area or beach cleanup site by the park administration.

The hornets, described as aggressive, launched a fierce attack due to the group inadvertently disturbing their nest. The sheer number and ferocity of the hornets overwhelmed the explorers, leading to the fatal outcome for two and severe injuries for the third.

Local residents expressed sorrow, noting that the Laren Creek to Chufengbi path has been abandoned for years and has become a habitat for wild bees and other animals. The terrain is considered highly dangerous. While the group had registered a legitimate activity at Xizai mouth, the three individuals proceeded to explore the forbidden area independently, triggering the deadly encounter.

Authorities have dispatched rescue teams to the scene. The Kenting National Park Administration is appealing to the public to strictly follow national park regulations and designated areas when visiting. They emphasize the importance of not taking risks by entering dangerous, unapproved wilderness areas to prevent irreversible accidents.