Prosecutors in Taiwan have sought an arrest warrant for a construction site manager whose vehicle is believed to have caused a train accident that killed at least 50 people, local media reported.

Hualien prosecutors office told reporters on late Friday that prosecutors are looking for evidence at the scene and relevant locations.

The accident happened when the construction company's vehicle fell from a slope at a nearby construction site and hit the passing train at a tunnel's mouth.

Local authorities suspect the driver parked the vehicle without engaging the emergency brake, but further investigation into the cause is ongoing.

(With input from Reuters)