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Nanmu tree falls, causing one death

A huge nanmu tree snapped at the base of its trunk yesterday in the Chipen Forest Recreation Area (知本國家森林遊樂區), Taitung, killing one and injuring four.

Forestry Bureau officials said the roots of the tree, which was so large it took three adults holding hands to embrace its trunk, could no longer support the weight.

The deceased, identified as Hsu Chin-shui (徐金水), 54, was struck by the falling tree while taking a stroll in the scenic forest area yesterday morning. Liu Feng-chin (劉鳳琴), 51, was injured.

The two were part of a 200-member tour group composed of Kingcar Industrial (金車工業公司) staff and their family members from Taoyuan.

Hsu and Liu were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors were unable to save Hsu.

Liu was diagnosed with a mild concussion.

Liu said she was hit by branches before she realized the tree was falling.

Liu's husband said there was no wind or rainfall at the time.

There were no indications that the tree was about to fall, he said.

The tree, more than 100 years old, was more than 20m tall and overgrown by a multitude of clinging plants.

The nanmu is a large, slow-growing tree of the evergreen laurel family that develops with a long straight trunk ranging between 10m to 40m high, and 50cm to 100cm in diameter.

Additional reporting by Rich Chang
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