KOROR, Palau — Six members of a Taiwanese delegation attending the inauguration of President Surangel Whipps Jr. were reportedly injured in a van accident Friday night in Meyuns, Koror.
The accident occurred around 9 p.m. local time. While the cause of the incident has not yet been disclosed, all injured individuals received medical attention at Belau National Hospital and were discharged shortly thereafter. None of the injuries were reported as serious.
Among the delegation were Shin Kong Hospital President Hou Sheng-mou and Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi, who assisted in providing care to the injured. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, who led the delegation, and Palau’s Minister of State Gustav Aitaro visited the injured at the hospital to check on their condition.
The delegation, including those injured, departed Palau on Saturday and returned to Taiwan.
Lin represented Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te at the January 16 inauguration ceremony for President Whipps. Taiwan and Palau share close diplomatic ties, having established relations 25 years ago.