High-Speed Rail Scare: Action Power Bank Explosion Causes Panic on Taiwan's Bullet Train

A passenger's burning power bank leads to evacuation and a reminder about travel safety aboard the Taiwan High Speed Rail.

A dramatic incident unfolded on Taiwan's High Speed Rail (高鐵) today, as a passenger's personal belongings caught fire aboard the southbound Train 1607. The event occurred shortly before the train reached Zuoying Station at approximately 9:20 AM.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that light smoke began emanating from a passenger's backpack in the first carriage. A passenger, identified as 彭 (Peng), was reportedly injured, suffering burns to his arm. The situation quickly escalated as panic ensued, with other passengers displaying immediate concerns.

Passengers acted quickly, with some employing fire extinguishers to contain the fire, successfully extinguishing it. The train conductor took swift action, evacuating passengers from the affected carriages (1 and 2) to the third carriage. Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that an exploding 行動電源 (power bank) was the cause of the incident, though investigations are ongoing to ascertain the precise cause.

The High-Speed Rail authorities confirmed that the train, which originated from Nangang at 7:10 AM, experienced the incident between Chiayi and Tainan. The fire triggered the smoke detection system, adding to the alarm. Despite the initial shock, the prompt response of fellow passengers and train staff helped ensure the safety of everyone on board.