Chen visits Chiayi after train crash on Alishan

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday flew to Chiayi where he expressed his concern about the government's responsibility for the security of travelers and the prospects of the tourism industry in central Taiwan one day after a train crashed on Alishan and killing 17 people and injuring 173.

The president visited six hospitals in Chiayi City where he met the families of those who were injured in the accident, promising that the government would take responsibility.

He also visited the municipal funeral home to mourn those who were killed in the tragic accident and to express condolences to their families.

"The government must change and upgrade its helicopters as soon as possible," Chen said after listening to a briefing at the Chiayi air base on the post-crash rescue and relief operations, "And the operations of the train system shall be resumed soon after security is no longer a concern."

Helicopters were dispatched to help evacuate injured passengers on Saturday after a train overcrowded with holidaymakers derailed on a bridge in Alishan. One helicopter, which was packed with injured travelers, was reportedly forced to make an emergency landing after catching its tail on a tree as it was taking off.

The president added the management and operation of the railways should be combined so as to prevent any man-made mistakes.

The president also expressed his concern that the incident should not affect the tourism industry and requested the railway operation to resume as soon as possible.

Premier Yu Shyi-kun, Minister of the Interior Yu Chen-hsien (余政憲), Council of Agriculture Chairman Lee Chin-lung (李金龍) and several other senior government officials accompanied Chen on the visit to Chiayi.

Vice Premier Lin Hsin-yi (林信義), who serves as the commander of the rescue and relief task force, told the media that the government needs to review the security of the railway system but pledged the government would continue to push tourism.

"We feel sorry for the accident and we need to find out who is responsible for it. The government expects to resume the operation of the railway system as soon as this investigation has been completed," Lin said.

The crash took place at 2:07pm Saturday when a four-carriage train derailed midway up the mountain. About 190 holidaymakers were aboard the train.

The accident was the worst of the 10 that have taken place on the Alishan railway since 1962, according to the Taiwan Forestry Bureau which is responsible for the railway's operation.

The cause of the crash is still being investigated. Witnesses said the tragedy may have occurred because the train was running too fast.

The driver of the ill-fated train was arrested on charges of involuntary manslaughter but was released on a bail of NT$100,000 after questioning.