2020/12/11
Marine Corps Command Headquarters issues a press release in response to media reports stating that "a mountain hiker at Tzaishan, Kaohsiung, was suspected of being hit by stray military bullets" (December 11, 2020)
In response to media reports that "a mountain hiker at Tzaishan, Kaohsiung, was suspected of being hit by stray military bullets", Marine Corps Command stated today (11th) that it received a report from the police at noon that a mountain hiker, whose surname is Chen, was hit and injured by stray bullets at Tzaishan, Kaohsiung, that morning. After investigation, it is found that the affiliated troop had engaged in shooting training at the target range. Command is currently working with the police to clarify if the injuries resulted from the shooting training.
Marine Corps Command further points out that it immediately assigned high-level cadres to Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital to offer support and aid to the wounded person and to learn more about the case. It will follow up with the police to clarify the facts of the investigation. In addition, shooting training has been suspended for the period of the investigation. If the person was indeed injured by the Corps, it will re-examine the safety measures of the target range and only re-open the range after improvements are implemented to ensure the safety of the general public.