Excavator Overturns on Rail Tracks, TRA: Normal Service to Resume by 1 PM

Central News Agency

(CNA reporter Yu Hsiao-han, Taipei, June 18) The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) received a report early this morning that an engineering excavator had overturned on the westbound mainline between Miaoli and Zhunan (at K129+700), temporarily forcing single-track, bi-directional operations on the eastbound line. TRA stated that normal operations are expected to resume by 1 PM.

The incident occurred during maintenance work when one excavator accidentally overturned on the westbound track (K129+700) between Miaoli and Zhunan. As a result, train services in this section are now operating on the eastbound line only, causing delays to multiple train services.

Several legislators raised concerns during today’s Transportation Committee session. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Lee Kun-tse pointed out that the memory of major casualties from the 2021 Taroko Express accident remains fresh, and questioned whether the current construction methodology was appropriate.

Wu Sheng-yuan, Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications, explained that this was routine work. Due to terrain constraints, the excavator had to enter the track to trim overgrown trees using a modified attachment—otherwise, tree branches could interfere with overhead power lines. However, this time, the excavator’s arm extended too far, causing instability and overturning.

Wu stated that a Level 1 emergency response team has been activated, and information is being disseminated to passengers via station announcements and the official website. Six trains have been canceled, affecting a total of 30 services. TRA is working to minimize operational disruptions.

Wu added that during construction, if there is any suspicion of foreign object intrusion, train movements are immediately blocked and power may be cut. Some sections are now equipped with foreign object intrusion alert systems. If an intrusion is detected, trains are automatically instructed to stop and will only resume after the engineering team confirms safety.

KMT legislator Hung Meng-kai stated that an excavator overturning on the tracks indicates flaws in the construction method. He urged a review of safer alternatives and demanded a corrective action plan within one month.

In a press release, TRA confirmed that single-track bi-directional operations continue on the eastbound line between Miaoli and Zhunan, with trains experiencing 10 to 15 minutes of delay. Full service is expected to resume by 1 PM. The following trains—1105, 1117, 2123, 1127, 1137, 1147, 1157, 1148, 1168, 2120, 1178, 1188, 1198, and 1208—will be suspended between Miaoli and Zhunan before 1 PM. All reserved-seat trains will make additional stops at Zhunan and Miaoli stations, and standing tickets will be available for local commuter stations along the mountain line.

TRA stated that passengers whose trains were delayed beyond the refund threshold due to the disruption may apply for a full refund at any station ticket counter within one year of their travel date, with no cancellation fee charged. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150618

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