[Politics] Miaoli-Zhunan On-Track Engineering Accident, Taiwan Railways Expected to Clear by 1 PM Today
bella@@ 央廣 新聞6h ago
Taiwan Railways (TRA) experienced an on-track engineering accident early this morning (18th) between Zhunan and Miaoli, resulting in the section currently operating on a single track for both directions. In response, Vice Minister of Transportation and Communications Wu Sheng-yuan explained the cause of the accident during a hearing at the Legislative Yuan's Transportation Committee and promised to submit a review report within one month. #Reported by Radio Taiwan International (RTI) correspondent Wu Li-chun#
At approximately 4 AM on the morning of the 18th, the day before the Dragon Boat Festival, a backhoe overturned while trimming trees on a railway bridge during maintenance hours between Miaoli and Zhunan. This has led to the section currently operating on a single track, the East Main Line, for both directions.
In response, Legislator Lee Kun-tse pointed out at the Legislative Yuan's Transportation Committee that TRA had a Taroko Express derailment due to a construction vehicle overturning before the Qingshui Tunnel on the North-Link Line in 2021, causing significant casualties. In 2022, the collapse of the Southeast Cement silo in Kaohsiung also caused major delays for both railway systems. These two incidents involving on-track engineering, resulting in major casualties or significant delays, are still fresh in the public's memory. He questioned Vice Minister of Transportation and Communications Wu Sheng-yuan about the cause of this latest on-track engineering accident on TRA.
Wu Sheng-yuan stated that it was due to the negligence of a contractor commissioned by TRA. He said: "(Original sound) This was operated by a subcontractor commissioned by TRA. Because trees sometimes encroach on the tracks, tree trimming was being done. Since only the track was accessible and not the sides, to trim the trees, they had to enter from the track. The backhoe's original tracks were supposed to be converted to rubber wheels to protect the tracks. However, while trimming the trees, the backhoe was modified with a cutting attachment on top. During operation, its arm extended too far, causing instability and it tipped over."
TRA stated that it established a Level 1 emergency response team at 6 AM and expects to clear the West Main Line by 1 PM, restoring normal two-way service. During this period, 14 train services between Zhunan and Miaoli will be suspended. All reserved-seat trains will make additional stops at Zhunan and Miaoli, and standing room tickets will be available for the mountain line local services.
However, Legislator Hung Meng-kai believes that after a major delay on the High-Speed Rail just a month ago, TRA should also review whether there are more appropriate construction methods for tree trimming. Wu Sheng-yuan promised to instruct TRA to submit a review report within one month. (Editor: Song Wan-yuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215213
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