NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan – The Taiwan Railway Corporation (TR) has stated that it may levy penalties against a man who was found to have trespassed on the railway tracks at Fuzhou Station in New Taipei on Friday afternoon. The incident caused significant delays to train services and raised concerns over public safety.
Incident at Fuzhou Station
At approximately 6:00 p.m. on Friday, a man, later identified as Liang (梁), entered the railway tracks at Fuzhou Station in Banqiao District, New Taipei, just as the Tze-Chiang Limited Express Train No. 176 was approaching the station. The train, which was scheduled to stop at the station, was delayed due to the trespassing incident.
Alert lights flashing at the station signaled the train’s imminent arrival. Following the alarm, the train was forced to stall as the situation was investigated. Emergency personnel, including firefighters and police officers, searched for the individual for nearly three hours, but no trace of the man was found at first.
Search Efforts and Evidence of Trespassing
After extensive searching, officials from the Taiwan Railway Corporation (TR) and the Railway Police Bureau (RPB) reviewed security footage from the station, which revealed that the man had rolled over the tracks and climbed over a wall before leaving the area.
By 9:00 p.m., the search was terminated, and Tze-Chiang No. 176 was cleared to continue its journey. However, at 12:36 a.m. on Saturday, a man named Liang, aged 50, called the Railway Police Bureau to admit that he was the one who had fallen onto the tracks.
Liang’s Confession and Police Investigation
Liang turned himself in at the RPB Banqiao precinct at 2:17 a.m. the same day. He was later transferred to the New Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office for questioning, where he is being investigated for endangering public safety. Liang reportedly claimed to have sustained minor injuries to his legs and waist, though an investigation revealed no damage to the train or signs of blood.
Railway police have not revealed what they believe Liang’s intentions were at the time of the incident. They are continuing to probe whether his actions were intentional or accidental.
Impact on Train Services
The trespassing incident caused significant disruptions in the railway network. Due to the suspension of Tze-Chiang No. 176, a total of 58 trains were delayed by 3,200 minutes, an average of 55 minutes per train. These delays had a ripple effect on the timetable, affecting many passengers traveling across the region.
Potential Penalties for Trespassing
If it is confirmed that Liang’s actions were deliberate, he could face severe penalties under the Railway Act. Specifically, if found guilty of violating Article 57 of Taiwan’s Railway Act, Liang may be fined for disrupting train services and potentially causing endangerment to the public. The Taiwan Railway Corporation (TR) has warned that trespassing on railway tracks is a serious violation that can cause significant safety risks.
Table: Key Details of the Trespassing Incident
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | Friday afternoon, 6:00 p.m. |
| Location | Fuzhou Station, Banqiao District, New Taipei |
| Involved Train | Tze-Chiang Limited Express Train No. 176 |
| Injured Individual | Liang (梁), 50-year-old man |
| Search Duration | Nearly 3 hours, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Delayed Trains | 58 trains delayed by a total of 3,200 minutes |
| Potential Penalties | Fines under Taiwan’s Railway Act, Article 57 |
FAQs:
Q1: Why was the train delayed?
A1: The delay occurred because a man trespassed on the tracks at Fuzhou Station, causing the train to stall while authorities searched for the individual.
Q2: What actions might be taken against the man who trespassed?
A2: If the man is found to have intentionally trespassed, he could face criminal charges and fines under the Railway Act for disrupting train services and endangering public safety.
Q3: How long were the train delays?
A3: A total of 58 trains were delayed by 3,200 minutes, which averages out to about 55 minutes per train.
Q4: How did authorities identify the trespasser?
A4: Security footage reviewed by the Railway Police Bureau (RPB) showed the man rolling over the tracks and leaving the station before the search was called off.
Q5: What are the penalties for trespassing on railway tracks in Taiwan?
A5: Trespassing on railway tracks can lead to fines and criminal charges under the Railway Act, specifically for actions that disrupt train services or endanger public safety.
