More than 6,000 train passengers were delayed yesterday morning after an errant train damaged a railway switch at 11am near the Houbi Railway Station in Greater Tainan.
The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) said the railway switch was hit by a northbound commuter train headed for Chiayi, which was supposed to make way for a southbound commuter train headed for Houbi station.
MISSED SIGNAL
However, the northbound train did not heed the signal and went ahead while the light was red, which damaged to the railway switch.
The incident did not cause any further damage as both trains were stopped shortly afterward.
The railway operator spent nearly two hours repairing the damage before normal operations resumed.
According to the TRA, the incident slightly disrupted the railway system on the final day of the Tomb Sweeping holiday, affecting 18 trains and approximately 6,230 passengers.
DELAYS
Two express service trains were delayed by 50 minutes and 45 minutes respectively because of the incident. About 1,000 passengers boarding the two trains are eligible for a full refund on their tickets, the railway operator said.
In addition, four commuter services were canceled because of the incident.
The TRA said its railway safety committee would investigate the incident as it is a serious violation of the operator’s regulations.
The results of the investigation are scheduled to be released in two days, the TRA said.
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