By KHT Staff. AI-recreated illustration based on TVBS original photograph.
KAOHSIUNG/TAINAN — Two people suffered minor injuries after a falling roadside tree struck a small truck in Alian District (阿蓮區) on Friday afternoon, as Typhoon Champi brought strong winds to southern Taiwan.
The crash occurred around 4 p.m. on Renai Road (仁愛路). A 53-year-old driver surnamed Huang (黃) encountered the falling tree, and the truck subsequently struck roadside vehicles and a residential gate, according to CNA’s report citing police. The driver and passenger sustained minor injuries.
Police said the obstruction was cleared by 5:20 p.m., TVBS reported.
Later that evening, a falling branch struck a scooter rider on Yanhai 3rd Road (沿海三路), near Nansing Road (南星路), in Siaogang District (小港區), according to the preliminary police account. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. in the southbound slow lane.
The branch reportedly struck the first rider’s helmet, but the rider continued south without stopping. A second scooter carrying a rider and passenger then clipped the fallen branch while trying to avoid it. No injuries were reported.
On Chengcing Road (澄清路), footage showed exterior tiles falling from a building and narrowly missing a passing car. A vehicle behind it braked as the debris fell, according to TVBS.
The same report described a tree falling onto a temple banquet venue in Tainan’s North District, damaging a canopy, tables and chairs before a planned 50-table gathering. No one was struck. Organizers moved the banquet setup and continued serving the meal.
The incidents occurred as Champi’s outer circulation brought strong gusts to Kaohsiung. The city government urged residents to remain alert to wind and rain hazards, according to Newtalk’s report on its storm response.
The name “Champi” was contributed to the World Meteorological Organization’s typhoon naming list by Laos. It refers to the white champaca flower.
The name was added to the list to replace “Ketsana,” which was retired following the devastating 2009 Pacific typhoon season.
