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.
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.
