Fifteen dead as train overturns in mountains

A tourist train overturned on a mountain in central Taiwan today, killing about 15 people and injuring 30, cable news television station TVBS reported.

An eyewitness told the TV station that three carriages of the train overturned and fell into a ravine near Alishan mountain, a popular tourist destination, trapping people. The eyewitness, who was not named, said about 15 people were reported dead and about 30 injured.

The train was carrying at least 130 passengers at the time of the accident at around 2pm (6pm Irish time), the witness said. He blamed the accident on excessive speed.

Rescue workers were already at the site of the accident, the witness said.

Television footage showed train carriages lying among trees in the mountainous terrain.

The rescue services mobilised helicopters to reach the site of the accident, cable news station ETTV said.

It said that the train was loaded with families on weekend outings.

The Alishan mountain in central Taiwan’s Chiayi area is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations.