18 killed, 187 injured in Taiwan train derailing

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00:47

At least 18 people were killed and 187 others injured when a Puyuma Express train derailed in northeast Taiwan on Sunday afternoon.

Updated at 19:55 BJT on Tuesday

Preliminary investigation indicates the accident was caused by the train over-speeding on a turn, but the reason behind the accelerated speed and who is behind it still need further probe.

Updated at 11:00 BJT on Monday

Two tourists from the Chinese mainland were injured in the Taiwan train derailment accident, which left 18 dead and 187 injured, according to Taiwan authorities.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits have expressed deep condolences to the victims in the accident.

Updated at 08:50 BJT on Monday

At least 18 people were killed, 187 were injured in the accident with 10 in critical condition, said a statement released on the official website of the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) on Monday.

There were a total of 366 passengers on the train when the accident happened.

A rescue operation is still underway.

Updated at 22:47 BJT

At least 18 people were killed and over 160 others were injured in the accident, confirmed an official for the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA).

Initial reports said at least 22 people have died but the TRA later revised the death toll.

Fire fighters and emergency personnel carry on rescue operations after the Puyuma Express train derailed in Taiwan's Yilan county on October 21, 2018. / VCG Photo

The driver of the train, surnamed You, has been hospitalized for his injuries, the official said.

Updated at 21:58 BJT

No passengers from the Chinese mainland were onboard.

"The exact cause of the accident is pending investigation," said an official for Taiwan Railways Administration.

Members of a Buddhist group offer prayers along the rail tracks after the Puyuma Express train derailed in Taiwan's Yilan county on October 21, 2018. / VCG Photo

Updated at 20:40 BJT

Former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou arrived at the local hospital to visit the injured.

A search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble is currently underway.

Rescuers attend to injured passengers Yilan, Taiwan October 21, 2018. / VCG Photo

Updated at 19:21 BJT

The train was travelling from Shulin to Taitung railway station with 366 passengers onboard.

The No. 6432 Puyuma Express has a total of eight carriages, five of which overturned when the accident happened.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

CCTV News Photo

Updated at 19:00 BJT

At least 17 people were killed on impact and over a 100 injured were taken to the hospital for further treatment after a Puyuma Express derailed in Taiwan on Sunday.

Rescue operations are currently underway.

CCTV News Photo

Updated at 18:08 BJT

Several people were injured when a Puyuma Express train derailed in Taiwan on Sunday, according to local media.

The incident occurred at 4:50 p.m. local time (0850 GMT). The number of injured has not been officially confirmed yet.

An emergency response team has been sent to the site.

1778km