Vehicle Fire in Kaohsiung's Yueguangshan Tunnel Leaves One Dead

KAOHSIUNG, June 23 (CNA) — A vehicle caught fire inside the Yueguangshan Tunnel on Meixing Street in Kaohsiung's Meinong District today. Firefighters accessed the scene from the Shanlin end of the tunnel to extinguish the blaze. The incident resulted in one death and one injury, and the tunnel remains closed to traffic while authorities investigate the cause.

The Cishan Precinct of the Kaohsiung City Police Department reported receiving notice of the fire at approximately 1:50 p.m. Due to intense flames and heavy smoke, initial attempts to access the tunnel from the Meinong side were unsuccessful, leading responders to deploy from the Shanlin side to conduct firefighting operations.

The Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau confirmed the fire was extinguished by 2:11 p.m. One driver was found deceased inside the vehicle, while a motorcyclist suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital in stable condition.

Police stated that the extent of the damage and the cause of the accident remain under investigation. The tunnel is currently closed to all traffic.