HUALIEN, TAIWAN — In a significant legal development stemming from one of Taiwan’s worst railway disasters, the Taiwan High Court’s Hualien Branch delivered a second trial verdict in the 2021 Taroko Express train crash case. The court increased the sentence for Lee Yi-hsiang (李義祥), the construction site manager held responsible for triggering the deadly derailment, to 12 years and 6 months. Meanwhile, the court upheld the acquittal of Vietnamese migrant worker Hoa Van Hao, who had been accused alongside Lee.
The disaster, which occurred on April 2, 2021, claimed 49 lives and injured over 200 when a crane truck owned by Lee slipped from a nearby construction site and landed on the railway tracks in Hualien, just moments before an oncoming express train entered a tunnel and collided with it. The train, packed with holiday travelers, derailed inside the tunnel, making rescue efforts chaotic and difficult.
⚖️ Court’s Ruling: A Breakdown
In the second trial:
- Lee Yi-hsiang was found guilty on three counts:
- Negligent homicide: 5 years
- Hit-and-run resulting in death: 7 years
- Bid-rigging under the Government Procurement Act: 10 months
Total sentence: 12 years and 6 months
This marks an increase from the 7 years and 10 months handed down in the first trial in 2022. The court emphasized that Lee had multiple opportunities to warn railway authorities, but failed to do so even after the crane had fallen, thereby breaching a legal and moral duty of care.
Key Judicial Point:
While Lee did not intend to cause death, the court ruled his inaction—particularly his failure to remain on-site or seek immediate help—constituted criminal negligence and abandonment of responsibility.
👷 Acquittal of Hoa Van Hao: Why It Matters
Hoa Van Hao, the Vietnamese migrant worker who assisted Lee on the construction site, was again found not guilty. The court acknowledged that:
- Hoa did not cause or facilitate the fall of the crane.
- His role was subordinate, and he lacked the authority or knowledge to act independently.
This decision reflects an important judicial recognition of labor hierarchies, and has been seen by many migrant worker advocates as a step toward fairer treatment in legal proceedings involving foreign laborers.
🧠 Original Insights & Contextual Commentary:
This case isn’t just about negligence—it highlights systemic vulnerabilities in Taiwan’s infrastructure oversight, especially involving:
- Privately contracted public works
- Railway safety systems
- Accountability in labor-management structures
Despite the TRA’s modernization efforts, automated hazard detection or manual patrol systems failed to detect the truck before the crash. Critics have called for stronger real-time monitoring technologies and communication protocols between contractors and the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA).
Moreover, this case has triggered national discourse on the mental preparedness of contractors during emergencies. Lee’s actions post-accident, described by the court as panic-driven, highlight the lack of emergency training and moral hazard when responsibilities are offloaded to low-bid contract firms.
👪 Families Seek Justice Beyond the Verdict
Families of the victims, while welcoming the harsher sentence, have expressed disappointment that Lee wasn’t charged with murder by omission. However, the court argued that there was no premeditated intent to kill, and that Lee’s actions, though irresponsible, stemmed from a lack of foresight rather than malice.
This legal distinction underscores the difficulty in pursuing criminal liability in mass casualty incidents unless deliberate action is proven.
🚨 What Happens Next?
- Lee’s verdict is subject to appeal, and legal experts predict a potential Supreme Court review.
- Investigations into four additional TRA and contractor personnel remain ongoing.
- Calls for public safety reforms, mandatory emergency protocols, and criminal liability standards for government contractors continue to intensify.
🔍 FAQs
What caused the 2021 Taroko Express train accident?
A crane truck from a nearby construction site rolled down a slope and landed on the tracks. The train, unable to brake in time, collided with the truck.
Why was Lee Yi-hsiang’s sentence increased?
The second court found him guilty of hit-and-run, a charge previously dismissed, and emphasized his failure to take any preventive or post-incident action.
What was Hoa Van Hao’s role?
Hoa was assisting Lee at the site but was not directly responsible for the crane’s fall. He was acquitted of all charges.
Were there other individuals charged?
Yes. Four others involved in the rail construction project—one TRA manager and three contractors—are under ongoing investigation.
What safety reforms are being proposed post-incident?
Suggested reforms include better contractor vetting, emergency response training, improved railway hazard detection systems, and stricter government procurement oversight.
