A malfunctioning power system is the probable cause of the disaster. The train, very popular among tourists, runs along the island’s east coast. Tsai Ing-en pledges action. Mainland authorities extend their condolences.
Taipei (AsiaNews) – The death toll from the derailment of a train in Yilan County stood this morning at 18 dead and 190 injured.
Yesterday late afternoon, the Puyuma Express, from Shulin to Taitung, carrying 366 passengers, derailed at Xinma station. All eight carriages left the tracks, three ended up upside down.
This morning, the Taiwan Railways Administration announced that train’s power system probably malfunctioned, causing the disaster.
The train is very popular on the island, because it runs along the east coast, with beautiful natural landscapes, much appreciated by tourists.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier William Lai told relevant authorities to do all they can to assist the rescue effort and the people involved.
The railway administration said the families of those killed in the crash would receive compensation of NT.5 million (US,000).
Sunday’s accident was the worst on the island’s railways in 37 years.
Mainland authorities on Monday sent condolences to the families of the victims and to the injured. Two of the later are from the People’s Republic.
Train services were almost back to normal on Monday morning.