41 dead in Taiwan train crash: fire agency

Rescuers confirmed at least 41 people died in Friday’s train derailment in eastern Taiwan.

“41 people died, two are still trapped in carriages and 66 have been sent to hospital,” the National Fire Agency said in its latest update.

The accident occurred on Taiwan’s eastern railway line around 9.30am (0130 GMT) near the coastal city of Hualien.

The eight-car train was making its way from Taipei to the southeastern city of Taitung and was carrying some 350 passengers, the rescue centre said.

The accident occurred at the start of the busy annual Tomb Sweeping festival, a long holiday weekend when Taiwan’s roads and railways are usually packed.

Taiwan’s eastern railway line is usually a popular tourist draw down its dramatic and less populated eastern coastline.

With the help of multiple tunnels and bridges, it winds its way through towering mountains and dramatic gorges before making its way down Huadong Valley.

— AFP