A busy passenger train carrying 490 people has derailed in a tunnel in eastern Taiwan, killing at least 48 and injuring dozens more, authorities said, as rescue efforts to free those trapped continue, APA reports citing CNN.
The eight-car train, traveling to Taitung, came off the rails in a tunnel just north of Hualien Friday morning, causing several carriages to hit the wall of the tunnel, according to the fire department.
The train driver is among the 48 dead, the fire department told the country's executive office. 66 survivors are being treated in at least six hospitals in the surrounding Hualien County, while an unknown number of people are still stuck in carriages that were badly damaged in the accident.
*** 09:15
At least 34 people have died and 70 remain trapped after a train carrying around 350 passengers derailed inside a tunnel in Taiwan, APA reports citing BBC.
Dozens more have been injured, with rescuers trying to access several badly damaged carriages inside the tunnel.
Local media say the eight-carriage train hit a construction vehicle that had slipped onto the tracks.
The train, from the capital Taipei to Taitung, was carrying people travelling for the annual Tomb Sweeping festival.
Many people may have been standing because the train was so full.
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