A tearful public apology was issued by the truck driver involved in the deadly train crash in eastern Taiwan after becoming the subject of nationwide hate and criticism.
Investigators attempting to determine the exact series of events that led to the deadly crash said that the driver's crane truck slid down onto the tracks, placing it directly into the passenger train's path. The collision between the train and the truck carrying 498 people resulted in the deaths of 50 people.
The country's Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC) said at least 202 people were injured in Friday's crash. Lee Yi-hsiang was arrested by police following the incident. He was granted bail Saturday but the Hualien District Court later revoked the decision.
The district court cited the possibility that Lee would flee the country or destroy evidence as the reason for its decision to revoke his bail. On Sunday, Lee issued a public apology.
"I am deeply remorseful and want to express my most sincere apologies. I will cooperate with the investigation by police and prosecutors to take appropriate responsibility," Lee said.
Investigators are reportedly still trying to determine whether the incident was caused by Lee's negligence or by a mechanical failure. Investigators are looking into the possibility that Lee may have neglected to properly engage the truck's emergency brakes, which may have caused it to roll down onto the train tracks.
The CEOC said Monday that 163 of those injured have been discharged, while 37 are still being treated. The CEOC said that one of those killed during the crash was the train's driver.
Most of those that were killed during the crash were riding on carriages that were derailed inside a tunnel just north of Hualien. The crash occurred just east of the Taroko National Park, a popular tourist destination in Taiwan.
The Taiwanese government said that it was preparing a compensation plan for every passenger. The government said that it will be giving around $185,500 each to the families of the deceased victims. Injured passengers will be given $91,000 each for those severely injured and $14,000 for those that survived unharmed.
