TAIPEI 21 Oct (ANA) - At least 17 people have been killed and 137 injured in a passenger train derailment in Taiwan.

 

Railway authorities say they are investigating the accident, which happened in Yilan County at about 16:50 local time (08:50 GMT) on Sunday.

 

A total of 366 people were on the high-speed train travelling between Taipei and the eastern county of Taitung when all eight of its carriages derailed.

 

Taiwan's Central News Agency reports that dozens may still be trapped.

 

The Puyuma Express 6432 service reportedly came off the tracks close to Xinma station, near the town of Su'ao about 70km (43 miles) from Taipei.

 

It is not immediately clear what caused the train to derail, but witnesses told local media they heard a loud noise then sparks and smoke.

 

Emergency medical responders and firefighters are helping the injured and the defence ministry says it has sent 120 soldiers to help with rescue efforts.

 

Witnesses reported having to break windows to escape the carriages, and dozens of injured have been transported to local hospitals.

 

An AFP news agency reporter at the scene said more bodies were being removed from the damaged carriages at about 20:00 local time (12:00 GMT) on Sunday night.

 

Photographs from the scene show seats upended, with parts of the railway tracks twisted through carriage windows in places.

 

Taiwan's leader, Tsai Ing-wen, described the accident as a "major tragedy" on Twitter.

 

"My thoughts are with all the victims and their families," she added.

 

Taiwan has an extensive train network and more than half a million passengers travel on the system every day.

 

This coastal train route is popular among tourists visiting the island.(ANA)

FA/ANA/21 October 2018-------