CHIAYI (TVBS News) — The new Alishan railcar Formosensis derailed during a test run on Tuesday (May 23), fortunately without causing any injuries. The derailment occurred around 10:40 a.m. near the level crossing of the Alishan Youth Activity Center at the 67-kilometer mark of the Alishan Forest Railway.
According to authorities, the cause of the derailment was attributed to the wheels of the second carriage hitting a stone, resulting in damage to the vehicle connector. Sources reported no injuries to passengers or crew.
The Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park offered to assist in repositioning the train while conducting a thorough inspection of the vehicle to ascertain the extent of the damage. The unfortunate incident was a surprise following Premier Chen Chien-jen's visit to the Chiayi Sawmill on Monday (May 22).
During his visit, Premier Chen acquainted himself with the Forestry Bureau's reconstruction plan for the "Alishan Forestry Railway" and personally experienced a ride on the Formosensis train. No one anticipated an accident would unfold the following day.
Funding for the construction of six brand-new cypress carriages for the Formosensis train was secured by the Alishan Forestry and Cultural Heritage Office through the "Far Vision Infrastructure Plan" for 2019.
The carriages, crafted with exquisite Alishan red cypress and Taiwania wood, offer a total seating capacity of 78. The interior of the carriages is also adorned with captivating Formosan and Hinoki cypress wood, leaving a lasting impression on all passengers and visitors who journey through Alisan.
Dubbed "Formosensis," the name derives from the Latin designation for the Formosan cypress, Chamaecyparis Formosensis.
