Taiwan train crash leave at least 17 dead

At least 17 people have been killed and dozens more hurt after a passenger train derailed in Yilan County in Taiwan, government authorities say.

Photographs from the scene show several train carriages lying on their side off the railway tracks.

The incident reportedly happened at about 16:50 local time (08:50 GMT).

Train authorities say at least 126 people have been injured, and Taiwan's Central News Agency report 30 others may still be trapped.

The train, reportedly a high-speed Puyuma Express 6432 service, is said to have been travelling between Taipei and the eastern coastal county of Taitung with 310 passengers onboard.

It is believed to have come off the tracks close to Xinma station, close to the town of Su'ao about 70km (43 miles) from Taipei.

Photographs show emergency medical responders, firefighters and the army helping the injured at the scene.

Taiwan's central government said that the premier had been notified about the situation, Reuters report.

The coastal railway route is popular among tourists visiting the island.

Source:BBC