Concert, lights to remember 2021 Taroko train derailment victims

Taipei, March 30 (CNA) A public memorial concert will be held at Taipei Main Station at 7 p.m. on April 2 to commemorate the victims of the 2021 Hualien Taroko Express train derailment, known locally as the "0402 accident."

Chen Meng-hsiu (陳孟秀), an attorney representing the victims' families, told the media on Sunday that the concert will mark the fourth anniversary of the tragic rail accident that killed 49 and injured 309 -- the deadliest in Taiwan Railway Co.'s nearly 60-year history.

Chen said this year's memorial theme -- "Eternal Love and Remembrance" -- includes a unique light beam installation designed to symbolize hope.

The light beams will shine through the Heren, Qingshui and Chongde tunnels along the North-Link Line, which connects Su'ao and Hualien City, she said.

The 2021 crash occurred at the northern entrance to the Qingshui Tunnel.

Chen emphasized that the light installation, inspired by similar tributes to the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States in 2001 and the Amagasaki derailment in Japan in 2005, is meant to transform the families' grief into "eternal love" and act as a reminder of railway safety.

Taiwan Railways official Chien Hsin-li (簡信立) confirmed that the lights will be activated at the moment Taroko Express train 408 -- the train with the same serial number as that which derailed four years ago -- passes through the area on April 2.

The light effects will continue for seven days as part of the memorial, he added.

Chien further noted that the light installation will not interfere with the train driver's ability to see, as it is designed to be safe for passengers and staff.

In addition to the concert, Taiwan Railways will distribute information cards about the memorial on all trains along the North-Link Line, according to Chien.

The concert is open to the general public, Chien added.