Taiwan train crash leaves 36 dead in island's worst rail disaster in 40 years

The train, an express travelling from Taipei to Taitung in Taiwan carrying many tourists at the start of a long weekend, came off the rails north of Hualien in eastern Taiwan.

At least 36 people were killed and 72 injured when a Taiwan train derailed in a tunnel on Friday after apparently hitting a truck in the island's worst rail disaster in at least four decades. The train, an express travelling from Taipei to Taitung carrying many tourists 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.