THSR Excavator Overturns During Maintenance, Causing Train Delays; Commuters Stranded in Miaoli-Zhunan Area

According to Central News Agency, Taiwan Railway (TRA) was conducting overnight track maintenance when an excavator accidentally overturned onto the westbound mainline between Miaoli and Zhunan (at K129+700) early this morning. As a result, train operations between Miaoli and Zhunan were temporarily switched to single-track bidirectional service using the eastbound line, causing widespread delays.

TRA reported receiving notification of the incident at 4:23 a.m. and immediately dispatched repair crews and equipment to the site. Of the 30 scheduled trains between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., six were canceled: Trains 1105, 1148, 1117, 1168, 2123, and 2120. Train 161 added a stop at Zhunan Station, and Train 472 opened standing-room-only service north of Miaoli.

The accident occurred on the Nangangxi Railway Bridge in Zaoqiao Township, Miaoli County. The excavator’s bucket fell beneath the bridge and became lodged in trees, complicating removal efforts. With the incident occurring during peak commuting hours, platforms at Miaoli and Zhunan stations filled with frustrated passengers. Many expressed concerns about being late for work or school, with some taking photos of service alerts to notify their employers.

TRA has apologized for the disruption and announced on its website that normal operations are expected to resume by 1:00 p.m.