According to the Taiwan Central News Agency, the tragedy occurred on the morning of April 2 in Hualien County. The train from Taipei to Taitung, which was carrying more than 350 people, derailed. Several cars crashed into the walls of the tunnel and were twisted, 72 people were stuck in them.
“According to the transport administration, rescuers are trying to get to the four cars in the tunnel, which are badly damaged and very difficult to access”, - notes DW.com.
Rescuers said 61 victims were evacuated to the hospital.
“At least 36 people died, including the driver. According to the preliminary version, the train ran into a construction truck, which was parked in the wrong place", - the Dozhd TV channel reports.
Later, Taiwanese media reported 72 deaths, the data is being specified.
According to media reports, April 2 is considered a holiday for local residents. Many went for the weekend in the mountains: Taiwan's east coast is very popular with tourists.