Tour Bus Overturns on Taiwan Mountain Road, Injuring 16; Driver Was Unlicensed

A tour bus carrying 15 foreign tourists, primarily from the Philippines, overturned on a steep mountain road in Taiwan, resulting in 16 injuries. The incident occurred on Provincial Highway 14 in Nantou County when the bus veered off the road and plunged down an embankment.

Emergency services were alerted not by a person, but by an iPhone belonging to a Filipino passenger, which automatically detected the crash and dialed 119. Among the injured, three passengers sustained more severe injuries, including fractures and a suspected concussion. Four individuals remained hospitalized, while the others were discharged after treatment.

Police investigations revealed that the 41-year-old bus driver, surnamed Chang, was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, he was found to be driving without a valid large passenger vehicle license, and his small vehicle license had previously been revoked, effectively making him an unlicensed driver. Authorities are preparing to issue a heavy fine, ranging from NT$40,000 to NT$80,000, and impound the vehicle.

The bus is registered to Hongzhou Transportation Company. The company stated that both the driver and the bus were contracted, and they were unaware of his unlicensed status. The accident site is known for its steep inclines and sharp turns, posing a significant risk to drivers.

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The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the directives - they save lives. Upon receiving the alert, one must enter protected spaces and remain in them until a new announcement. Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with the Home Front Command's directives