A tourist in China suffered a serious fall after being struck by a pack mule while he was distracted by his mobile phone on a narrow mountain path. The incident, which highlights the dangers of inattention in hazardous locations, occurred on December 26 during an ascent to the Caishen Temple on Beigao Peak in Hangzhou.
The Moment of Impact on the Mountain Trail
Video footage of the event shows the man standing perilously close to the edge of a steep, narrow stone stairway. He was completely engrossed in his phone as other visitors navigated past him on the busy trail. From behind, an elderly handler was leading a mule uphill; the animal was laden with heavy bags of cargo.
Although the mule itself did not directly collide with the tourist, the bulky bags it was carrying swung into him. The impact was enough to knock him off balance. The man is seen slipping before tumbling down the steep slope adjacent to the path, prompting immediate alarm from fellow climbers.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Safety Patrols
Several visitors rushed to help him, and emergency services were called to the remote location. The injured tourist was subsequently rushed to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact nature or severity of his condition.
The section of Beigao Peak leading to the popular temple is known for its narrow and steep paths, where pack animals are a regular feature for transporting goods. In response to safety concerns, local authorities confirmed that patrols are carried out twice daily by a combination of police officers, volunteers, and security staff. These patrols check safety signage and emergency equipment along the route.
Online Debate Over Safety and Awareness
The widely circulated footage has ignited a significant online debate. Discussions focus on two key areas: the adequacy of visitor safety management on such trails, and the personal risks of using mobile phones while walking in dangerous environments. Many commentators have pointed to the incident as a stark warning about the perils of distraction, while others have questioned the mixing of pedestrian and animal traffic on congested routes.
The event serves as a sobering reminder for all travellers to maintain situational awareness, especially when visiting scenic but potentially hazardous natural attractions.
