TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A man who disappeared after jumping onto train tracks at a Banqiao station on Friday faces fines for disrupting train services.
At 5:51 p.m. Friday, the man jumped onto the tracks at Banqiao's Fuzhou Station seconds before the Tze-Chiang Limited Express Train No. 176 arrived. The train was brought to a halt and services were immediately suspended on the line.
Firefighters and police commenced a search for the man that lasted two hours, but no evidence of impact or traces of blood were found on the front of the train. The search was called off at 7:50 p.m. when police viewing surveillance camera footage discovered the man had crossed the tracks, climbed over the west wall of the platform, jumped onto Daguan Road, and fled the scene, per CNA.
At 12:36 a.m. on Saturday, a 50-year-old man surnamed Liang (梁) called the Banqiao precinct of the Railway Police Bureau saying he was the man on the tracks. Liang then went to the RPB station in Banqiao to turn himself in at 2:17 a.m.
Liang told police that he was overwhelmed by debt and had a moment of despair, per Newtalk. However, Liang said after jumping onto the tracks, he realized he wanted to live.
Liang said he lied flat between the tracks as the train passed over him. He said that he only suffered minor abrasions to his waist and legs from the incident.
The Taiwan Railway Corporation told CNA that if it is confirmed that Liang had deliberately trespassed onto the tracks, resulting in disruptions to 58 train services and delays totaling 3,200 minutes, the case will be handled under Article 57 of the Railway Act, which prohibits pedestrians and vehicles from trespassing on railway tracks. If guilty, the RPB will impose penalties and TRC will seek compensation for the related losses.
Those experiencing thoughts of suicide should immediately seek help by calling the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center at 1925, or the Taiwan Lifeline International at 1995. Foreign residents can call the Community Services Center at 02-2836-8134 (business hours) or 0932-594-578 (after hours).
