At approximately 0930 local time (0130 UTC) on 2 April 2021, a passenger train with nearly 500 people on board derailed near the Taroko Gorge scenic area in Hualien county, located approximately 30 km (20 mi) north of the town of Hualien. The accident occurred when the eight-carriage train was exiting the Daqingshui Tunnel and collided with an unoccupied construction vehicle that had rolled onto the tracks. The accident caused extensive damage to five of the eight train carriages. At least 51 people, including a French national, were killed in the accident and 146 others suffered injuries. The Taroko No. 408 express train was en route to the eastern city of Taitung from the capital Taipei.