Taiwan Tour Bus Plunges into Ravine, Injuring 8; Operator Loses License

A tour bus operated by Hongzhou Bus Company plummeted into a ravine on Taiwan's Provincial Highway 14 in Nantou County, resulting in eight injuries, two of them severe. The accident occurred yesterday afternoon, involving a vehicle with 16 occupants, including the driver.

An immediate investigation by the Hsinchu District Office of the Directorate General of Highways revealed critical lapses in the driver's qualifications and the company's oversight. The driver, identified as Zhang, 41, was found to be operating the bus without a valid professional driver's license. He also had numerous outstanding violations, primarily related to unpaid ETC fees and speeding tickets.

In response to the serious incident and the driver's lack of proper licensing, authorities have taken decisive action against Hongzhou Bus Company. The company's operating license has been revoked, and all of its commercial vehicle license plates have been suspended. Additionally, the company was fined NT$90,000 for employing a driver without the required qualifications, which led to the accident and injuries. The exact cause of the accident is still under police investigation.