A privately organized tour group of more than 30 Taiwanese travelers suffered a serious accident on April 24 while visiting the Ganjia Secret Realm scenic area in Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province, China. An electric sightseeing vehicle carrying 15 passengers — including the tour leader — apparently lost control and overturned on a bend, resulting in one death and 12 injuries in a scene that has shocked Taiwan.
The victim has been identified as the brother-in-law of a police station chief surnamed Pan, who heads the Longteng substation under the Miaoli County Police Bureau. Pan and his wife were both among the injured. Also among the wounded was Chiu Li-yi (邱麗宜), a currently serving police commissioner with the Taichung City Police Department.
KEY FACTS
- Date of accident: April 24, 2026, approximately 5:00 p.m. local time
- Location: Ganjia Secret Realm scenic area, Xiahe County, Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province, China
- Tour operator: Hsi Hung Travel Service Co., Ltd. (喜鴻旅行社)
- Group size: More than 30 Taiwanese travelers (privately assembled group)
- Casualties: 1 dead; 12 injured (3 remain hospitalized; 9 discharged)
- Itinerary: Departed Taiwan on April 20; scheduled return May 1
Why did 15 passengers get thrown from the cart?
According to initial reports, the tour was arranged through Hsi Hung Travel Service Co., Ltd. and was composed of friends and family who organized privately. The group departed Taiwan on April 20 and was scheduled to return on May 1. At around 5:00 p.m. on April 24, group members were touring the Ganjia Secret Realm scenic area aboard separate electric sightseeing vehicles when one of them suddenly overturned on a curve, throwing multiple passengers from the cart and causing serious casualties. The victim could not be saved despite emergency treatment. Most of the 12 injured sustained head lacerations and abrasion injuries; the majority have since been discharged and returned to their hotel, while a small number remain under hospital observation.
Following the accident, China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) responded swiftly. Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said the office was highly concerned and had directed relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the accident in accordance with the law, and would provide full assistance to the families of the Taiwanese casualties in handling post-incident matters. Of the 12 injured, three remain hospitalized and nine have been discharged. The TAO emphasized it would handle the aftermath in the spirit of "cross-strait family bonds" and ensure that families could travel to the site smoothly to manage follow-up arrangements.
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) confirmed the accident on the evening of April 25, stating it had immediately contacted the Lanzhou Taiwanese Business Association, the Taipei Association of Travel Agents, and other relevant bodies to assist families traveling to China to handle post-incident arrangements, insurance claims, and bereavement support. The SEF said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide all necessary assistance.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) expressed deep condolences to the deceased and extended sympathy to the injured and their families. The MAC said government agencies had obtained information at the earliest opportunity and would work through the SEF to support families in managing follow-up matters. Investigations confirmed the tour group held travel agency liability insurance, covering accidental death and accidental injury medical expenses. The Tourism Administration under the Ministry of Transportation has instructed Hsi Hung Travel Service Co., Ltd. to properly assist all affected travelers and to arrange for family members in Taiwan to travel to China for post-incident and insurance-related matters.
Are scenic area vehicles in China safe for tourists?
A Tourism Administration spokesperson noted that this was a privately organized group tour and that the operator had filed the required notifications and was actively cooperating with authorities. The Administration urged Taiwanese travelers visiting China to exercise caution regarding transportation safety — particularly when boarding local vehicles at scenic areas — and to fasten seatbelts and follow staff instructions at all times to prevent similar tragedies. （Related： Taiwan Slams China-Funded Media for Fake Corruption Smear on Eswatini Ambassador ｜ Latest ）
