Double Tenth Holiday Hiking Accidents Prompt Thrilling Air-Ground Rescue in Hualien

The National Day holiday, which is typically an ideal time for families to travel or enjoy the outdoors, often translates into a period of high alert and intense activity for mountain rescue systems. During the National Day long weekend, the Hualien County Fire Bureau received two separate reports of mountain incidents, which occurred on the renowned Beisan Duan (Northern Section Three) and the Badashu (Eight Major Peaks) hiking routes. Confronted with harsh alpine environments and rapidly changing weather conditions, the Ministry of the Interior’s Air Force Rescue Team (AFT) responded immediately upon receiving the reports, dispatching helicopters and search-and-rescue personnel to the mountainous areas. Through coordinated joint air and ground operations, the missing and injured hikers were successfully located and transported to hospitals for treatment, bringing the mountain crises to a safe conclusion.

The first incident occurred on the highly challenging Beisan Duan route. Located deep within Taiwan’s Central Range, this area is characterized by rugged terrain, long distances, and variable climate, making it a destination typically attempted only by experienced long-distance trekkers. At the time, a five-person hiking group was ascending the route when one member, a hiker surnamed Huang, lost contact with the rest of the team near Mudan Rock. Due to poor communication signals, complex terrain, a sudden drop in temperature, and thick fog, the accompanying team members realized the severity of the situation after their search efforts failed. They immediately reported the incident and sought help via satellite phone or limited signal coverage. Upon receiving the report, the Hualien County Fire Bureau assessed that ground units would be too slow to reach the hiker on foot, placing Huang’s life at extreme risk. Consequently, they urgently requested aerial rescue assistance.

Following the dispatch order from the AFT, a helicopter stationed at Hualien Airport quickly completed its preparations and took off. Relying on their advanced flying skills and extensive experience in alpine rescue, the crew transported specialized search-and-rescue personnel directly to the airspace above Mudan Rock. In coordination with ground search units, the helicopter conducted a comprehensive search of the mountainous area and eventually located the missing hiker, Huang. Rescue personnel landed, conducted an initial assessment of his vital signs, and, after confirming his physical condition, guided him onto the aircraft. This rescue operation once again highlighted the unpredictable nature of high-altitude environments, demonstrating that even well-prepared hiking groups can face sudden disorientation or loss of contact, requiring the deployment of significant national search-and-rescue resources to assist in their extraction.

Almost simultaneously, the Hualien County Fire Bureau received a second report of a mountain incident. This involved a large hiking group of 14 members who encountered an accident while tackling the famous Badashu route. The Badashu refers to several hundred-meter peaks, including Baitongguan Mountain, Xiugulan Mountain, and Dashuiku Mountain. The trails along this route are long and steep, posing a significant test of physical strength and endurance. According to reports, a hiker surnamed Liu accidentally kicked a stone on the path during the ascent, resulting in severe leg pain and a suspected fracture, which left him unable to walk. Given the low temperatures and high altitude, there was a risk that if the injured hiker could not be taken down the mountain for medical treatment in a timely manner, he could suffer from shock or a deterioration of his condition.

Considering Liu’s trapped location, the rescue team determined that carrying him down on foot would not only be time-consuming and labor-intensive but could also cause secondary injuries. Therefore, the Fire Bureau again sought assistance from the AFT. Upon receiving the second mission dispatch, the AFT helicopter took off immediately, targeting a clearing near the Baiyang Gold Mine Mountain Hut, located in a high-altitude mountain area. After the pilot overcame high-altitude turbulence and terrain limitations, the helicopter successfully landed or hovered to complete a hoist operation, safely transporting the injured hiker, Liu, down the mountain. An ambulance, which had been standing by at the airport, then transferred him to the hospital for further treatment, successfully resolving the fracture crisis.

The two mountain incidents that occurred in close succession during the National Day holiday have once again drawn widespread social attention to mountain safety and the risks associated with outdoor activities. They also underscore the critical importance of the inseparable cooperation between AFT helicopters and ground fire and search-and-rescue personnel within Taiwan’s mountain rescue system. In recent years, as the government has promoted policies to open up mountains and forests, more people have taken to the outdoors to enjoy nature. While the number of hikers has increased significantly, the frequency of mountain incidents has also risen. Achieving a balance between enjoying mountain scenery and ensuring personal safety tests the pre-trip preparation and risk assessment capabilities of every hiker. Relevant authorities continue to urge the public to thoroughly assess their physical condition and prepare appropriate equipment and communication devices before engaging in hiking activities, ensuring they can leave safely and return home happily.

(Source: Central News Agency)