Train Derailment Accident in Taiwan... At Least 36 Dead (Comprehensive Report 1)

Train with 8 cars carrying about 350 passengers
Collides with construction vehicle inside tunnel... Possible human error

▲Scene of the train derailment accident in Taiwan. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A train derailed inside a tunnel in eastern Taiwan, resulting in at least 36 deaths and more than 72 injuries.

According to local media such as Taiwan TVBS and international outlets including the US CNBC on the 2nd, Taiwan's fire authorities reported that around 9 a.m., the Taroko Express No. 408 train, traveling from New Taipei City in northern Taiwan to Taitung, derailed inside the Hualien Daqingshui Tunnel.

The train, consisting of a total of 8 cars, was carrying approximately 350 passengers. Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation stated that this is the worst railway accident in over 30 years, with 36 people in cardiac arrest. It is reported that 72 injured passengers remain trapped inside the train. About 61 people have been transported to hospitals.

▲Taiwanese injured in Taiwan train derailment accident [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Major foreign media reported that the death toll is expected to rise further.

The accident occurred when the train collided with a vehicle conducting construction work inside the tunnel.

While 80 to 100 passengers evacuated from cars 1 to 4, cars 5 to 8 were severely crushed, making rescue efforts difficult. Due to the total power outage of the train caused by the accident, there is a shortage of oxygen, water, and electricity inside.

Authorities including the Hualien Fire Department and police, who are managing the accident site, stated they are trying to access the four severely damaged cars inside the tunnel.

Taiwan Liberty Times reported that cars 5 to 8 of the train are severely twisted, making rescue difficult.

They also cited the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA), raising the possibility of human error.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.