Nantou: Two hikers have died on Mt. Kelekele'an in Xinyi Township in Nantou County, while an eight-year-old boy who was with them was rescued despite showing symptoms of hypothermia, local authorities said Saturday.
According to Focus Taiwan, officials with the Nantou County Fire Bureau reported that they received an alert around noon Saturday. The report detailed that the boy, his 70-year-old grandfather, and the grandfather's 63-year-old female friend were trapped on the mountain in central Taiwan.
The group embarked on their trek from Hualien County on August 8, aiming to conquer the Southern Section Three trail, also known as the Danda-Dongjun Traverse. Their plan was to descend via Dongpu in Xinyi Township by August 17. However, on August 12, the hikers were caught in Typhoon Podul's path while on Mt. Kelekele'an, forcing them to camp under severe weather conditions. Their tent succumbed to the relentless rain and wind, as stated by the officials.
The prolonged exposure to cold conditions left the hikers exhausted, with symptoms indicating potential hypothermia. Given the critical condition of the victims and the challenging location, the fire bureau requested helicopter assistance promptly. The National Airborne Service Corps deployed a helicopter, executing a ground rescue to evacuate the group from the mountain.
Upon their arrival at the hospital, the elderly man and the woman showed no vital signs and could not be revived despite resuscitation efforts. The boy, diagnosed with hypothermia, was reported to be in stable condition, according to the bureau.
Details of the incident remain under investigation. Local media highlighted that the boy noticed the severe distress and near unconsciousness of his grandfather and the female hiker, which prompted him to use his grandfather's cellphone to dial 112 for help.
The National Fire Agency issued a reminder regarding the unpredictable nature of mountain weather and urged hikers to thoroughly prepare and assess their physical limits before attempting such climbs. Hikers are advised to avoid challenging routes beyond their abilities and to carry satellite communication devices to ensure quick location tracking during emergencies, maximizing the chances of timely rescue.
Mt. Kelekele'an stands at an elevation of 3,505 meters and is located along the Southern Section Three trail, making it one of Taiwan's 275 Baiyue, or Hundred Peaks.