The train stopped halfway down the track ! Taiwan Railways' Shulin overhead line snapped — currently single-line operation only

▲ Taiwan Railways overhead line snapped in Shulin. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

On the afternoon of the 31st, a Taiwan Railways overhead line snapped near Shulin Station, causing trains to halt on-site. After emergency repairs, single-line operation has resumed, leading to delays for multiple services, with some regional trains delayed by up to 40 minutes.

▲ Snapped overhead line caused the train to stop midway. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways)

According to Taiwan Railways, at 11:15 AM, an overhead line fault occurred at K41+400 on the small shunting line between Shu-Tiao and Shulin, causing Train 1551 to stop on-site. The overhead lines on the eastbound, westbound, and small shunting lines all lost power. After repairs, the eastbound line resumed service, but the westbound and small shunting lines remained without power. As a result, single-line operation on the eastbound line has been implemented, and repairs are still ongoing.

Update: According to on-site repair and inspection by Taiwan Railways electrical staff, the cause was found to be that residents behind the accident site (Pole 41/30) had only partially cut down a tree. The remaining dead branches were blown over by the wind, touching the cantilever insulator, generating a large current, and melting the main hanger clamp. The case has been reported to railway police for investigation.