Tour Bus Stuck on Alishan Mountain Road, Stranding 33 Tourists for Two Hours

Tourists rescued after bus gets wedged on a sharp turn in Taiwan's scenic Alishan area.

The popular tourist destination of Danayigu in Alishan, known for its pristine mountain scenery, often sees large groups of visitors on weekends. However, the narrow roads, particularly at sharp turns, can lead to traffic congestion. It's not uncommon for drivers unfamiliar with the road conditions to find themselves stuck.

Yesterday, a tour bus carrying 33 passengers from Pingtung became immobilized on a bend in the mountain road, prompting a call for police assistance. Officers from the Zhuchi Precinct responded, managing traffic and arranging for a tow truck. However, before the tow truck could arrive, the bus driver attempted several forward and reverse maneuvers. After two hours, the bus managed to free itself. The 33 tourists, though shaken, were able to continue their memorable trip to Danayigu.

According to the Zhuchi Precinct of the Chiayi County Police Bureau, the report of a stranded vehicle was received around 1 p.m. yesterday. Officers immediately dispatched to the area. At the 7.5-kilometer mark of Chiayi County Highway 129, they located the tour bus. The rear bumper's base had become lodged on the curved road surface, and the difference in elevation between the road sections ahead and behind prevented the vehicle from moving.