A tragic accident at the popular Yilan Green Expo on Friday has raised serious concerns about public safety protocols at large-scale events. A trackless electric tourist train lost control and overturned, killing a 78-year-old man and injuring his wife at the Wulaokeng Scenic Area, where the expo is being held.
The victim, surnamed Wang, was struck by the vehicle while walking with his 78-year-old wife. Witnesses described the moment as chaotic — the train, reportedly returning to charge, barreled down a slope, unable to stop. While trying to avoid nearby pedestrians, the vehicle overturned, pinning the elderly couple beneath.
Deeper Analysis: What Went Wrong?
Brake Failure or Human Error?
Initial investigations reveal the vehicle’s brake system may have malfunctioned, according to the driver, surnamed Chen, who is a licensed truck driver but was only temporarily contracted for this event. He claims to have rung the bell repeatedly to warn nearby visitors. However, the train could not be stopped.
Experts suggest insufficient pre-use inspection, especially on electric vehicles operating on uneven terrain, could be a contributing factor. A thorough mechanical audit is now underway, led by Yilan County authorities.
Overlooked Risk at a Family-Friendly Venue
The Yilan Green Expo is designed to promote environmental awareness and local agriculture, attracting tens of thousands of families and elderly visitors annually. The train service, often perceived as safe and slow, is a central attraction. But this incident revealed that even low-speed transport can become fatal under mechanical failure — especially in crowded areas with minimal escape routes.
Immediate Impact
- The expo was closed to the public on Saturday.
- Train services have been suspended indefinitely.
- The driver is under investigation for potential negligence.
- The incident has cast a shadow on the expo’s otherwise festive atmosphere, which began on March 29.
Public & Government Response
Lee Hsin-tai (李新泰), Director of the Yilan County Agriculture Department, which oversees the Green Expo, expressed condolences to the victim’s family and promised a full review of safety protocols.
In parallel, transport and safety experts across Taiwan are calling for new regulations around the use of trackless electric vehicles in public spaces — particularly those not operating on fixed tracks and used by the elderly.
Preventing Future Accidents
Some of the proposed safety enhancements include:
- Mandatory brake testing before and after daily operation.
- Employing professionally trained drivers, not just temporary hires.
- Installing automatic emergency stop systems.
- Creating clearly marked pedestrian-only zones, especially near slopes.
- Regular inspections by third-party safety regulators, not just event organizers.
FAQs
What exactly is a trackless tourist train?
Trackless tourist trains are electric or diesel-powered vehicles designed to carry passengers on flat terrain at slow speeds, often used in parks or expos. They usually consist of a small engine pulling several open carriages.
Was the train carrying passengers when the crash occurred?
No, the train was empty and returning to charge at the time of the crash.
What were the conditions of the path where the crash occurred?
The area where the crash happened had a downhill slope, which may have worsened the impact of the brake failure.
Who is responsible for the train service?
The train service was operated by a private contractor hired by the Yilan Green Expo’s organizing committee, under the supervision of the Yilan County Government.
What are the next steps?
An autopsy will be conducted, a full safety audit of the vehicle fleet is ongoing, and legal accountability will be pursued depending on the findings.
