Tsai prioritizes rescue, service resumption efforts following train derailment
2021/04/07
President Tsai Ing-wen said April 3 that maximum effort and resources are dedicated to ensuring rescue and service resumption efforts continue apace following the train derailment in eastern Taiwan’s Hualien County.
The government immediately activated the Central Emergency Operation Center in Taipei City and established an on-site command post as soon as notification of the accident was received, Tsai said. All ministries, agencies and branches of the military are closely coordinating related relief and reconstruction activities, she added.
The president made the remarks while touring Hualien Armed Forces General Hospital and three nearby hospitals before visiting Hualien City Funeral Home. She offered her deepest condolences to the injured and those who lost loved ones in the accident.
Tsai also took the opportunity to express appreciation for the concern and condolences extended by the international community. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue liaising with embassies and representative offices in Taiwan, as well as providing assistance to foreign nationals impacted by the tragedy and family members of the deceased, she said.
According to the president, it is critically important to make certain all survivors receive requisite care. This is to be achieved via the emergency medical response mechanism initiated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tsai said.
No stone will be left unturned by the government in conducting a thorough investigation of the derailment, Tsai said, adding that findings are to be incorporated into a review of rail management procedures and systems.
The Taroko express service, operated by Taiwan Railways Administration, derailed April 2 bound for southeastern Taiwan’s Taitung County after hitting a truck near the entrance to Qingshui Tunnel. The latest official statistics confirm 50 dead and 216 injured out of 498 passengers.
Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)
