“The Cabinet called an emergency response meeting right after the accident to coordinate government rescue efforts,” said Hu Hsin-hua, deputy minister of the Council of Agriculture, which oversees the railway’s operations, at a news conference April 28.
Sixty-four of the injured are still hospitalized, with eight remaining in critical but stable condition, Hu pointed out. “The COA’s Forestry Bureau will pay all medical costs and assist victims in follow-up matters.”
“An investigation team has been dispatched to the scene to look into the cause of the train derailment,” Hu said, adding that the line will be shut down pending results of the inquiry. Services on the system’s other routes will also be suspended for one week for inspections.
“The Mainland Affairs Council will make every effort to help the victims’ families make travel arrangements and fast track their visa applications,” MAC Deputy Minister Liu Te-shun said.
Established in 1912, the Alishan railway is one of Taiwan’s signature attractions and a very popular draw for mainland Chinese tourists.
According to the Council for Cultural Affairs, the system employs four of the five technological solutions to the problems of hill passenger railways, including U-turns, switchbacks, special engines and spiral routes.
The railroad is listed by the CCA as a potential nominee for the UNESCO world heritage sites. (THN)
Write to Meg Chang at meg.chang@mail.gio.gov.tw