Taroko Express Crash: Minister offers verbal resignation
KEEPING FOCUSED: Premier Su Tseng-chang was said to have commended Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung, but said the tragedy takes priority
Staff writer, with CNA
Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has submitted a verbal resignation in the wake of the Taroko Express No. 408 train crash two days ago, Executive Yuan spokesman Lo Ping-cheng (羅秉成) said yesterday.
In a call, Lin told Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) that he wished to step down, to take responsibility for the deadliest accident involving a Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train in 40 years.
As of press time last night, the Hualien District Prosecutors’ Office had revised the death toll from 51, which had been reported on the previous day, to 50, after DNA testing showed that what had been considered two sets of remains belonged to the same pe
Transport Minister offers resignation after deadly train crash
04/04/2021 02:40 PM
Lin Chia-lung. CNA photo April 4, 2021
Taipei, April 4 (CNA) Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has offered a verbal resignation in the wake of a deadly train crash two days ago, the Cabinet spokesperson said Sunday.
In a phone call, Lin told Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) that he wished to step down, to take responsibility for the express train crash in eastern Taiwan that killed 51 people and injured about 200, Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng (羅秉成) told reporters.
In response, Su commended Lin for wanting to show accountability but said that the focus right now is on repairing the railway line that was damaged during Friday s accident, according to Lo.
2021/04/04 16:30 (CNA photo) TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The section of railway damaged in the recent train accident in Hualien County may reopen as soon as April 20, according to Newtalk. The devastating wreck occurred Friday morning (April 2) at the Qingshui Tunnel when a Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train collided with a service vehicle, killing 51 and injuring over 200. After inspecting the scene Sunday, acting TRA Director-General Chi Wen-chung (祁文中) said the third car has already been taken from the tracks and that it s hoped the fourth and fifth cars can be removed Sunday before a structural inspection of the tunnel. Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) said the restoration of electricity and track repair had been scheduled to be completed on April 8, but the impact of the crash has raised concerns about the tunnel s stability.
By Wang chun-chi, Hua Meng-ching and William Hetherington / Staff reporters, with staff writerPresident Tsai Ing-wen （蔡英文） and other officials yesterday visited people injured in the Taroko Express No. 408 train crash, as well as the families of those who died in the accident.
TAROKO EXPRESS CRASH: Tsai visits victims of crash, vows to give them support
By Wang chun-chi, Hua Meng-ching and William Hetherington / Staff reporters, with staff writer
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and other officials yesterday visited people injured in the Taroko Express No. 408 train crash, as well as the families of those who died in the accident.
The government is to provide support for the victims and their families, they said.
Tsai, joined by Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中), also visited a funeral home in Hualien City, where services were being held for the deceased.