4 killed, 19 others injured in trains colliding in Taiwan

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-06-16 10:08

Two tandem-connected locomotives ran into a train which was leaving the station in Taiwan Friday morning, killing four and injuring at least 19 others, according to media reports reaching here from Taipei.

The tragedy occurred at the Tali Railway Station in the northeastern county of Yilan at around 10: 30 a.m. local time when the locomotives are suspected of having run a red signal onto the traffic railway before hitting the second carriage of the commuter train, according to media reports citing local railway administration officials.

Eight of the 19 injured passengers suffered serious injuries, local media said.

The accident has hampered the two-way railway traffic in east Taiwan and the names of the victims were not released by local officials by press time.

The real cause for the accident was still unknown but local officials said human error was believed to be blamed for the accident as the signal system at the scene operates well.

They said mechanical problems may also be the cause of the deadly accident even though the locomotives had just recently undergone maintenance and repair work.

An investigation was formed to look into the cause of the accident.



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