Tragedy on the Tracks: Elderly Woman's Fatal Encounter with Taiwan Railway Train

Investigation Underway After 79-Year-Old Dies in Taoyuan Level Crossing Incident

Taoyuan, Taiwan - A somber incident unfolded in Taoyuan on Tuesday, April 29th, resulting in the tragic death of a 79-year-old woman after she was struck by a train.

According to the Taoyuan Branch of the Railway Police Bureau, the woman, identified by the surname Wang (王), entered the railway tracks at a level crossing in the Neili area of Zhongli District without authorization.

Surveillance footage indicated that the railway barriers were already down when Wang entered the crossing. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances that led to her being on the tracks.

Police received a report of the incident at 6:41 a.m. involving local train No. 2133, which was en route from Keelung to Chiayi. Evidence was collected at the scene until 7:24 a.m., and the train was cleared to depart at 8:01 a.m.

During the investigation, Taiwan Railway implemented temporary service adjustments, restricting trains between Taoyuan Station and Neili Station to two-way service on the westbound track. Regular double-track operations resumed at 8:19 a.m.

The incident caused significant disruption to train services, affecting 30 trains and resulting in a total delay of 691 minutes, according to Taiwan Railway.