Dozens feared dead in Taiwan train accident

Special Desk

Dozens of passengers are feared dead after a train carrying about 350 passengers derailed inside a tunnel in Taiwan. Unconfirmed reports suggest four passengers have died in the accident.

The rescue operations have begun but it is tough inside a tunnel on Taiwan’s eastern railway line near coastal line of Hualien at around 9.30 am (0130 GMT). Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation centre says rescuers are struggling to access four carriages inside the tunnel that are badly damaged in the incident.

More than 72 people are reportedly injured a local transport ministry official informed. The accident occurred at the start of the annual Tomb Sweeping festival, a typically high traffic period. Till now 27 passengers injured in the incident have been sent to hospital.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen said she has asked hospitals to prepared for care of the injured. “Emergency rescue mechanisms have been put in place for the sick and injured. Rescuing those trapped is highest priority.”

Also Read : Cost of Inaction is much more than net zero : Survey NYU

Also Read : Brisbane lockdown ends ahead of Easter

Fire department, said that approximately 100 people had been evacuated from four of the train’s carriages. The Qingming festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is usually a time when people visit the graves of friends and family, sprucing up the area and making offerings to their spirits. People typically travel during this time.