A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday, November 13, in Chiayi’s scenic Alishan Township, where an elderly tourist was killed and four others were injured following the collapse of a wooden walkway leading to the popular Fumei Suspension Bridge. According to local authorities, the accident took place at around 4:00 p.m. local time when a 3-meter-high wooden boardwalk gave way, sending five members of a tour group to the ground as they posed for a group photo.
The victims were part of a 44-member tour group visiting from Miaoli County, known for its scenic attractions. The Chiayi County Fire Department reported that the accident involved five tourists who had been standing close together for a photo when the boardwalk abruptly gave way beneath them. The unexpected collapse led to severe injuries for several individuals, including a head injury sustained by a 76-year-old woman who later succumbed to her wounds at the hospital.
Rescue services were dispatched immediately following the incident. Emergency response teams transported all five victims to the nearest medical facilities. Despite efforts by medical personnel, the elderly woman tragically passed away due to the severity of her injuries. The four others, who sustained less serious injuries, remain in stable condition under medical care, according to Chiayi officials.
The Fumei Suspension Bridge has long been a favored tourist attraction in Chiayi’s Alishan Township, drawing visitors with its stunning views and connection to nature. The suspension bridge itself was built through funding from Taiwan’s Red Cross Society and, after completion, was transferred to the Alishan Township Office in 2011 for ongoing maintenance and management.
The walkway, which functions as an access route to the bridge, is one of the main structures visitors must cross. Typically well-maintained to ensure safety, the boardwalk had not shown visible signs of deterioration, according to preliminary reports from local authorities. However, Wednesday’s incident has raised serious concerns regarding the structural integrity and inspection protocols for both the bridge and its surrounding infrastructure.
Witnesses at the scene recounted the sudden and terrifying moment when the boardwalk gave way beneath the five tourists. “They were standing together, posing for a photo, and the next second, the ground just disappeared under them,” said a local vendor who works near the bridge entrance. “There were no warning signs, no creaks—just a sudden collapse.”
Several members of the tour group reportedly called out for help, with nearby tourists rushing to alert emergency services and assist the injured individuals. The Chiayi County Fire Department arrived promptly, and medical personnel on-site provided initial treatment to stabilize the injured before transferring them to a nearby hospital.
Following the incident, Taiwanese authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse, aiming to determine if structural deficiencies, lack of maintenance, or other factors contributed to the tragedy. Inspectors are scrutinizing the walkway’s condition and examining the possibility of hidden decay or weaknesses within the wood or underlying framework.
Chiayi County’s Infrastructure Department has pledged to support the investigation by providing past maintenance records, inspection reports, and any repair logs for the walkway and bridge structure. Additionally, authorities have temporarily closed the Fumei Suspension Bridge and surrounding access areas to conduct thorough assessments.
“The safety of our tourists and residents is our top priority,” stated a spokesperson from the Alishan Township Office. “We are fully cooperating with investigative teams to identify the cause of this accident and will implement necessary measures to prevent any future occurrences.”
The tour group, primarily composed of elderly individuals from Miaoli County, had chosen Alishan for its breathtaking views and serene environment, common reasons for the area’s popularity among local and international tourists alike. Tour group operators have since contacted the families of the injured and deceased, offering support and extending their condolences.
“This has been a deeply tragic event, and we are doing everything in our power to support the families affected by this unfortunate accident,” said a spokesperson for the tour company.
Family members and local officials are also calling for more stringent safety checks on public walkways and tourist attractions, especially those situated at elevated heights or involving potentially hazardous structures. The tour operator has issued a statement expressing regret and is working closely with authorities to assist with the investigation.
The accident has drawn attention to Taiwan’s safety protocols for tourist infrastructure, particularly in rural or scenic areas where natural wear from weather conditions can compromise structural integrity. Taiwan has a robust tourism industry, known for well-maintained facilities and high safety standards, but recent accidents have raised questions about aging structures and whether current inspection procedures are sufficient.
A similar incident occurred in 2018 when a viewing platform collapsed in New Taipei City, injuring several visitors. The government responded by enforcing stricter guidelines for the maintenance of public structures and introduced regular inspections to ensure compliance. This recent tragedy in Chiayi’s Alishan region may prompt similar measures, with increased scrutiny on wooden structures and other natural-material walkways that are particularly susceptible to weathering.
The accident has sent shockwaves through Taiwan, with both local residents and visitors expressing sadness and concern over the fatal incident. Many have taken to social media to extend condolences to the families affected and voice concerns about the safety of Taiwan’s popular tourist spots.
Officials, too, have expressed regret over the incident. Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications, which oversees tourism development, has emphasized the need for stringent safety checks at all tourist sites, especially during the peak season. “Our priority is ensuring that every individual can experience Taiwan’s beauty safely and without concern,” said a ministry representative. “This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of routine maintenance and vigilance in tourism infrastructure.”
The Chiayi County Government has also urged all counties and municipalities to review the safety of their tourism-related facilities, particularly those built with donations or managed by third-party organizations. In response to the tragic event, the Chiayi County Government has announced plans to review its public infrastructure policies, focusing on tourist-heavy areas that may require additional maintenance or support. Several proposals are being considered to enhance visitor safety.
- Frequent Inspections: Increasing the frequency of structural inspections for tourist walkways, platforms, and bridges, particularly those made from wood or materials vulnerable to weathering.
- Strengthening Regulations: Implementing stricter regulations that require higher safety standards for public structures, including mandatory structural reinforcements for older constructions.
- Warning Signage and Restricted Access: Placing additional warning signs near potentially hazardous areas, along with introducing weight or occupancy limits to prevent excessive strain on structures.
- Tour Group Limitations: Limiting the number of people allowed on elevated walkways and bridges at any given time to minimize the risk of accidents.
- The government is also considering establishing a specialized task force to oversee the implementation of these measures. In addition to reviewing existing structures, new projects would be required to meet enhanced safety guidelines to receive construction approval.
