TRA Conductor Bitten by Centipede at Hualien Station, Sent to Hospital with No Serious Injuries

(Central News Agency reporter Li Hsien-feng, Hualien County, June 15) — Train No. 241 of the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), departing from Hualien Station to Shulin, experienced an incident last night before departure when Mr. Hsu, the train conductor, was bitten on the ankle by a centipede while inspecting the platform, causing immediate and intense pain. TRA urgently notified the fire department for medical assistance and temporarily replaced the conductor, resulting in a train delay.

Hualien Station Master Cheng Cheng-chung told reporters today that Mr. Hsu, originally assigned to Yilan Station, was on duty at Hualien Station last night. He reported the centipede bite around 8 PM, and emergency personnel were dispatched promptly to provide medical care and transport him to Tzu Chi Hospital in Hualien for treatment. He has since been discharged with no serious injuries and has returned home to rest.

To ensure the train’s departure, TRA urgently arranged for a replacement conductor. This unexpected incident caused Train No. 241 to be delayed by 13 minutes at Hualien Station, affecting scheduled arrival times at subsequent stops including Hsincheng, Luodong, Yilan, Ruifang, Xizhi, Badu, and Taipei.

TRA has already issued an urgent notice to cleaning staff to intensify sanitation efforts around the station premises and inside train carriages to prevent future pest incidents.

The Hualien County Fire Department warns that centipedes are commonly found in damp environments. With recent cloudy and rainy weather, centipede activity has increased. If bitten, common symptoms include severe pain and allergic rashes, and immediate medical attention is advised. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150615