The search for the missing Singaporeans, Neo Siew Choo and Sim Hwee Kok, continues as the last-known images of them have been released. The CCTV footage shows them queueing up to board a bus heading to Taroko National Park, near the epicenter of the 3 April Taiwan earthquake.
CCTV footage
The couple was reportedly seen crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing and joining the queue for the bus at Hualien Bus Station. They boarded the 310 Taroko Tourist Shuttle at around 6.30 am, according to the Taiwanese police. However, when the bus reached its destination of Tianxiang at 8 am, the couple wasn’t there. It is believed that they alighted earlier, but their location remains unknown.
The bus and its driver are still stuck in the mountains after the earthquake caused landslides that blocked off roads and tunnels. Video footage from the bus cannot be accessed as communication has been cut off. The Taiwanese police have been in contact with the bus driver, but he couldn’t determine where the couple alighted.
A volunteer rescuer, Sunny Sandro Wang, took to social media to get in touch with the couple’s relatives and friends to obtain more information about them to assist in the search. The couple’s family had planned to fly to Taiwan but cancelled their plans to take care of their elderly parents. They have requested updates on the situation.
The Singaporean embassy in Taiwan has been in contact with the couple’s families and is providing consular assistance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been in touch with the Taiwanese authorities to get more information on the couple’s whereabouts.
The search and rescue operation for the missing Singaporeans and other victims of the earthquake are ongoing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing during this difficult time.