Man killed by runaway trackless train at Yilan Green Expo

Taipei, April 4 (CNA) A 78-year-old man was killed Friday after an out-of-control trackless tourist train crashed and overturned at the Yilan Green Expo.

Witnesses said that the man and his 78-year-old wife, who was injured in the incident at Wulaokeng Scenic Area, were unable to get out of the way as the speeding vehicle struck them before overturning.

The man lost vital signs at the scene and was later pronounced dead at a hospital, while his wife suffered a fractured arm and was taken to another medical facility for treatment.

Local media reported that the driver, a 45-year-old licensed truck driver surnamed Chen (陳) temporarily employed for the event, was operating the empty train on its way back for charging when its brakes failed.

Chen told local media that he had rung the train's bell to alert nearby pedestrians, but while attempting to swerve and avoid a collision, the train lost control and overturned.

According to Yilan County Agriculture Department head Lee Hsin-tai (李新泰), the expo, which has drawn large crowds since opening on March 29, features two electric tour trains offering paid rides and audio guides to visitors.

Each train has two to three carriages, can carry up to 40 passengers, and travels at speeds of 20-30 kilometers per hour, Lee said.

Authorities decided to suspend the train service and close the park on Saturday following the incident.