Rockslide Kills 4 Hikers on Taiwan Trail; Former Minister Unharmed

A sudden and massive rockfall tragically claimed the lives of four hikers and injured another on the Butterfly Valley Waterfall Trail in Taichung's Heping District. The group of 16, hailing from Taipei, was on the trail when the disaster struck on a recent afternoon. Among them was former Transportation Minister Tsai Chi-hsu, who fortunately escaped unharmed and assisted in the rescue efforts for his fellow hikers.

Rescue teams, braving rain and difficult terrain, worked to reach the victims. They first encountered a 70-year-old injured woman who was able to self-evacuate. Later, they confirmed the fatalities of two men and two women who had been struck by the falling rocks. The exact cause of the rockslide is under investigation, with heavy rainfall in recent days being a potential factor in the slope's instability.

This incident is particularly concerning as the trail had only been reopened in late April after undergoing reconstruction due to persistent rockfall problems. Authorities are investigating whether the recent accident occurred in a different section than the previously repaired area, as the trail's route had been altered. The tragedy has raised questions about the safety of the rebuilt path, which has been in operation for less than two months.

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This is the most shocking and moving morning I have experienced in my many years of practice!