Continuous Heavy Rain Causes Accident in Fujian's Bayonet Gorge; 5 of 9 Explorers Drown

(CNA Taipei, June 29) An accident occurred on June 28 in "Bayonet Gorge" in Xianyou County, Putian City, Fujian Province, China, where 9 outdoor explorers encountered danger. Five people drowned and died, while four were rescued. Bayonet Gorge is not an attraction open to the public. Some netizens pointed out that it has been raining continuously in the area recently, and the team involved in the accident may have been swept into the bottom of a waterfall.

According to a report by The Observer, the General Office of the Xianyou County People's Government in Putian City, Fujian Province, issued a notice on the 29th, stating that they received a report from a citizen on the afternoon of the 28th about an accident involving 9 outdoor explorers in Bayonet Gorge, resulting in 5 drownings.

Upon receiving the report, the Xianyou County People's Government immediately activated its emergency response plan, coordinating with public security, fire rescue, emergency management, health, and other departments, as well as officials from Xiyuan Township and the Blue Sky Rescue Team, to rush to the scene for search and rescue operations. It was confirmed that 5 people drowned and died, while the remaining 4 were rescued and transferred to a safe location. Follow-up aftermath work is underway.

The report stated that Bayonet Gorge is not a tourist attraction and has not yet been opened to the public. The Xianyou County People's Government reminds citizens that wild gorge terrain is complex and poses safety risks. It is imperative to enhance safety awareness and strictly prohibit outdoor activities such as exploration in undeveloped, unregulated, and unsafe wild areas, in order to protect one's own life and the lives of others.

Public information shows that Bayonet Gorge is named for its mountain fissure that resembles a bayonet. The narrowest part of the gorge is only 80 centimeters wide, requiring one to pass sideways. The landscape is known for its deep gorges formed by water erosion, one-line sky formations, hanging caves, and waterfall clusters.

According to a report by Red Star News, a netizen who had hiked in Bayonet Gorge on the 28th stated that it had been raining continuously in the area recently, resulting in a large water flow. Before reaching the one-line sky formation, this netizen and their teammates found the water flow too strong and chose to take a detour.

This netizen mentioned that they had seen the team involved in the accident that day. The team was from Fuzhou and was also heading towards the one-line sky formation. They may have been swept into the bottom of a waterfall. The area, due to waterfall erosion, has formed a large space with undercurrents. It is relatively safe during the dry season, but still requires the use of ropes and both hands and feet to navigate. (Editor: Chen Kai-yu / Chen Zheng-jian) 1150629

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