Seven detained over attack on tour bus driver at Xinjiang scenic spot

Seven employees at the Sayram Lake scenic area in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have been placed in administrative detention for attacking a tour bus driver, a joint working group said on Monday.

The incident occurred during a ticket inspection on July 23, according to a statement published on the Bortala Mongolian autonomous prefecture's website. The working group was established by the regional and prefecture authorities.

Police said one employee became involved in an argument and fight with the driver before six other staff members joined the assault. A forensic examination found that the driver had suffered minor injuries, the statement said.

The seven employees were detained for between 10 and 15 days and fined 1,000 yuan ($148) each. Eight company managers and scenic-area officials were disciplined over management failures. The chairman of the scenic area's operating company was removed from his post, as were the manager of its ticketing company and a ticket-inspection supervisor.

Authorities also announced changes to a self-driving service fee following complaints from visitors. The previous charge of 75 yuan per person will be replaced on August 20 by vehicle-based rates: 120 yuan for vehicles with up to five seats, 180 yuan for six- or seven-seat vehicles, 300 yuan for those with eight to 19 seats, and 600 yuan for larger vehicles.

A temporary rate of 30 yuan per person will apply from Tuesday to August 19 while the ticketing system is upgraded.

Xinjiang authorities said other scenic areas charging self-driving service fees would be instructed to draw up and publish revised fee plans.

At publication, it is unclear if the driver and employee were fighting over ticket prices.