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Dozens gathered in Taiwan’s capital this week to honor the 49 lives lost in the 2021 Taroko Express train crash, the country’s deadliest rail disaster. The memorial concert, held to mark the fourth anniversary of the tragedy, provided space for reflection, mourning and remembrance through music and personal testimony.
“Today, we express our loss through music, through light and shadow, through words,” said the concert emcee. “We hope the souls we’ve lost can sense that they’ve not been forgotten, and the music of remembrance will offer them and us who are still here, warmth and comfort.”
The Taroko Express train derailed in a tunnel in eastern Taiwan in 2021 during the Tomb-Sweeping Festival holiday after striking a construction truck that had slid onto the tracks. The incident killed 49 people and injured more than 300 others.
Among those who attended the memorial was Chen Peng-nien, who lost two close family members in the crash.
“Among those who died was my sister and another was my daughter,” Chen said. “Our family of six was on our way back to Taitung to visit our ancestors' graves.”
“I was also a passenger on the train that day, so the entire situation remains vivid in my mind,” he said. “Those scenes play through my mind every day — it’s something I can’t forget — the experience, the fear, the entire scene and atmosphere.”
Chin Ying-hua, who lost her daughter in the crash, recalled the painful uncertainty of searching for her child in the aftermath.
“Looking back, it feels like I'm back on that day — back to when I was searching for [my daughter],” she said. “Because I was not on the train, everything was uncertain for us. We went to the train [to look for her], but it was extremely crowded that day and it all took so long. Being there was pure agony.”
Mourners left handwritten notes at the ceremony and shared personal reflections. Chen added simply, “I still miss them. I really miss them.”
To mark the anniversary, special commemorative lights have been installed at the crash site. They are activated every year from April 2 to 6 when trains pass through the tunnel, serving as a symbol of remembrance and hope.
Taiwan’s railway authorities say the lights not only honor the victims but also serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of rail safety.
The ceremony concluded with tears, music and emotional scenes from loved ones who continue to carry the weight of the tragedy — but also the commitment to never forget.
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