Typhoon Kong-rey has claimed its first victim.

A 57-year old female passenger in a small truck was crushed by a fallen
roadside tree near Hehuanshan (合歡山) this afternoon on Provincial Highway
14-A.

Local media reports the tree was uprooted by a powerful gust, which fell onto
the front cab of the truck, and crushed it.

The driver, a 76-year-old male, is still alive, and sustaining minor injuries.

Emergency workers hurried to the scene to remove collapsed tree, then rushed
the victims to hospital.

But doctors pronounced the female passenger dead from her injuries.

In response to the incident, highway officials have announced a road closure
of some sections on Provincial Highway 14 and 14-A, as a precautionary
measure, allowing only vehicles to exit.

They advise against all non-essential travel into mountainous areas during
the typhoon.

(IG)