Jeep Swept Away by Rushing Matan'an River, Site Supervisor Missing

(Central News Agency reporter Li Xianfeng, Hualien County, 8th) Due to heavy rain in the mountainous area, the Matan'an River became turbulent on the afternoon of the 8th. A Jeep was swept away by the current and became stranded on a sandbar. After the water level receded, an excavator approached the vehicle and confirmed it was empty. However, the site supervisor, surnamed Deng, could not be contacted. Police and firefighters are continuing their search and rescue efforts.

The Hualien County Fire Bureau received a report in the afternoon that a Jeep had been swept away by the river about 500 meters upstream from the end of the north bank levee of the Matan'an River in Mingli Village, Wanrong Township. The site supervisor, surnamed Deng, was missing. The bureau immediately dispatched 5 vehicles, 1 boat, 9 personnel, and 1 drone to the scene for rescue.

The river had turned into muddy water, making it impossible for boats or personnel to cross. Firefighters searched the riverbanks upstream and downstream, while a drone using thermal imaging and regular cameras found no trace of the missing person.

Police investigation revealed that the Jeep belongs to a machinery engineering company and was used by the site supervisor, surnamed Deng. The company owner stated that no construction work was scheduled for today.

Fenglin Precinct Chief Liu Yuxiang told CNA that it started raining in the mountainous area around noon, causing the Matan'an River to swell rapidly. Machinery has been dispatched to lift the Jeep, but no person was found inside. The site supervisor's phone is turned off and he cannot be contacted, but a location point has been identified. Personnel have been dispatched to search the area. (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150608