Taipei City Government

During the wee hours on May 27, Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) held a drill based on a scenario involving multiple accidents which seriously interrupted the operation of Wenhu Line. Over 150 personnel from agencies including the Department of Rapid Transit, Fire Department, MRT Police Force, and various units of the company were mobilized for the exercise. 

According to TRTC, the primary scenario for this year tests staff response to a situation similar to the crane collapse accident in Taichung earlier this year. This part of the drill took place along the rail section between MRT Nangang Exhibition Center Station and MRT Nangang Software Park Station. Debris were placed across the railway to simulate obstacles blocking the rail tracks in both directions.

After the “accident” happened, the MRT train was forcefully halted at MRT Nangang Software Park Station and the station chief was immediately notified of the situation. After the emergency power cut button on the platform was activated, the Operation Control Center received the warning and turned off power for neighboring rail sections. Unfortunately, the train coming in the opposite direction wasn’t able to react in time and collided with the debris, breaking down between the two stations.  

Initial report indicated six passengers suffered injuries (2 severely injured and 4 suffering minor wounds), as well as the inability to remove the fallen obstacle, train windows shattered, obstacle detection rod damaged, train doors half-shut, and broken railway cables. After evacuating the two MRT stations, the fire fighters and emergency response teams arrived at the scene to conduct rescue, relief, and repair operations. The exercise also helps TRTC reexamine its emergency operation protocol to stop trains at stations in the case of accidents. 

TRTC President Huang Ching-shinn attended the entire drill in person. He expressed his gratitude to city officials and staff members from various city departments for their involvement and instructed company employees to implement thorough communications with related agencies. According to Huang, drills are important for familiarizing company employees on what to do during emergencies, thereby strengthening the company’s capabilities to protect passengers and maintain a safe public transit system.