Rescue operations are in high gear after an eight-carriage Puyuma express train carrying 366 passengers derailed Oct. 21 in Yilan County, northeastern Taiwan.
President Tsai Ing-wen conducted an early morning inspection of the site Oct. 22, before visiting the injured at four nearby hospitals and offering her condolences to those who lost loved ones in the accident, according to the Office of the President.
Tsai directed all relevant agencies and the military to step up rescue efforts and conduct a thorough investigation of the derailment. She also urged the people of Taiwan to stand together at this time of great sadness and support those affected.
Premier Lai Ching-te, who attended a late-night briefing Oct. 21 at the Central Emergency Operation Center in New Taipei City, later traveled to Yilan and visited those receiving treatment in the various hospitals. Lai said the top priority is to ensure all survivors are cared for and rail services are resumed in the shortest possible time.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Oct. 21 it is grateful for the care and concern shown by Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, like-minded countries and supporters from around the world. This includes Belgium, Canada, the EU, Guatemala, Haiti, Paraguay, the U.K. and U.S.
Following the accident, an emergency response center was set up by Taiwan Railways Administration and the CEOC was activated by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The latter is coordinating responses by the Ministries of Health and Welfare, National Defense and the Interior.
The latest official statistics confirm 18 dead and 187 injured, with the wreckage removed from the site and services resumed on the line. (SFC-E)
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