Taiwan train crash kills 36 in deadliest rail tragedy in decades

The crash, which also injured more than 40 passengers, is the island’s worst rail disaster in at least four decades.

At least 36 people were killed and some 70 remain trapped in wreckage after a Taiwan train derailed in a tunnel on Friday when it apparently hitting a truck. The crash, which also injured more than 40 passengers, is the island’s worst rail disaster in at least four decades. The train, an express travelling from Taipei to Taitung carrying many tourists and people heading home at the start of a long weekend, came off the rails north of Hualien in eastern Taiwan, the fire department said. Images of the crash scene show carriages inside the tunnel ripped apart from the impact, while others crumpled, hindering rescuers reaching passengers.