Express train derailed by fallen rock as earthquake aftershocks continue to rattle Taiwan’s east coast

An express train bound for Taipei City derailed after hitting a boulder that fell onto the tracks in last night, but fortunately nobody was injured in the accident.

According to reports, the Puyuma express train #445 from Taitung to New Taipei City hit a boulder and derailed near Heping Train Station in Xiulin Township in Hualien County at 9:10 pm.

The accident caused traffic in both directions of the railway to be stopped. None of the 146 passengers or staff aboard the train were injured, and passengers were able to disembark and walk onto the platform of Heping Station. A replacement train picked the passengers up at 10:21 pm.

Taiwan Railway Corporation said that the section where the accident occurred is not designated as high-risk for rockfalls as the track is separated from the slope by highway 9 and a fence.

Taiwan Railway Corporation said that services in both directions this morning are back to normal, but trains are operating at reduced speed as earthquake aftershocks continue to affect the area.

There have been more than 800 aftershocks since a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the area at 7:58 am, April 3, including nine aftershocks between 12:00 am and 6:30 am this morning, April 11.

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