People walk next to a train which derailed in a tunnel north of Hualien, Chinese Taiwan, April 2, 2021, in this handout image provided by Taiwan's National Fire Agency. (Taiwan's National Fire Agency/Handout via REUTERS)

The crash, which also injured more than 40 passengers, is the island’s worst rail disaster in at least four decades. 

The train, an express travelling from Taipei to Taitung carrying many tourists and people heading home at the start of a long weekend, came off the rails north of Hualien in eastern Taiwan, the fire department said. 

Images of the crash scene show carriages inside the tunnel ripped apart from the impact, while others crumpled, hindering rescuers reaching passengers. 

The train was carrying around 350 people, the fire department said. Taiwan media said many people were standing as the train was so full, and were thrown about when it crashed. 

They said a truck that was “not parked properly” was suspected of sliding into the path of the train.