A car on a highway between Su’ao and Hualien in Taiwan was hit by a falling boulder due to a landslide caused by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on April 3. Dashcam footage captured the incident, which showed a big rock falling and hitting the car while other debris were sent flying onto the road.
Despite the severe damage to the car, the driver did not sustain any injuries and was later driven back to Yilan County by a passerby. Thirty-two other vehicles trapped along the section of road were rescued by the police, while one death was reported.
Repair works are ongoing, and a temporary path will be opened on April 6 to allow traffic through. The Taiwanese government is also assisting with alternative transportation, such as shuttle bus services and increased commuter trains between Yilan and Hualien.
The Suhua Highway became inaccessible due to damage to the Dacingshuei Bridge, prompting the Taiwan Railway Corp to increase commuter trains and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to start a maritime transportation shuttle service between the ports at Yilan and Hualien. Some airlines have also added more flights to the area.
The earthquake caused significant damage to the region, and the Taiwanese government is working to ensure that people can safely travel and access necessary services. The incident on the highway highlights the dangers that can arise during natural disasters and the importance of taking precautions to ensure safety.