At least 34 killed after train derails in Taiwan

Iran Press/Asia: Dozens more have been injured, with rescuers trying to access several badly damaged carriages inside the tunnel.

Local media say the eight-carriage train hit a construction vehicle that had slipped onto the tracks.

The train, from the capital Taipei to Taitung, was carrying people traveling for the annual Tomb Sweeping Festival.

Many people may have been standing because the train was full.

The derailment took place at about 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT). Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen issued a statement saying "rescuing those trapped is our highest priority now".

Local media reports say the train driver is among the dead.

Images show a large, yellow flatbed truck lying at the side of the tracks. A construction project has been underway near the north end of the tunnel.

It is not known how the vehicle slipped down the embankment.

214/216

Read more:

Derailed train in southeast Congo left 50 killed

Tehran–Zahedan train derailed due to heavy rains and floodwaters