Taiwan truck owner breaks down in tears and apologises as police detain him over deadly train crash

Investigation is under way on how the truck slid on to rail tracks, causing the accident in which at least 48 people were killed

The manager of a construction site whose truck caused a deadly train crash in Taiwan has apologised in tears, saying he will cooperate with the investigation. 

The train was carrying almost 500 passengers and crew when it barrelled into an unmanned truck that had rolled on to the track last week. At least 48 people were killed and 198 injured in the accident, according to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Centre. 

An investigation is under way into how Lee Yi-Hsiang’s truck slipped down. “I am deeply remorseful and want to express my most sincere apologies. I will cooperate with the authorities’ investigation fully, and take responsibility,” said Mr Lee on Sunday. 

He was questioned by the prosecutors over the weekend and released on bail by a court. The Hualien District Court later revoked his bail, saying there was a risk he might destroy evidence, try to flee or collude with others, according to Taiwan’s government-run Central News Agency. 

His assets have been frozen and he will be held for two months without outside contact.

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Investigators are now trying to determine if there was a mechanical failure in the vehicle or if the driver failed to properly apply the truck’s emergency brakes. 

Taiwan’s transport minister, Lin Chia-lung, also accepted responsibility and offered his resignation. “I am also in charge of minimising the damage caused by the entire accident. After the whole rescue work is completed, I believe I will take the responsibility,” he said, according to Reuters. 

His offer to resign has been rejected for the time being, said the office of the country’s premier, Su Tseng-chang. 

Rescue efforts are still under way and rescuers were trying on Monday to retrieve the last body of a passenger.

Taiwan’s government has announced compensation for the victims’ families, and the president, Tsai Ing-wen, said her government would “continue to do everything we can to ensure their safety in the wake of this heartbreaking incident”.

Taiwan has also announced quarantine exemptions for family members who want to return to the country for funerals, according to The Guardian. 

The crash was Taiwan's worst train accident in decades. Prosecutors have appealed to the public for any photographs of the crash, saying they might have inadvertently gathered evidence.