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Vehicle driver Lee Li-hsiang: "I will take responsibility"
Photo: AP
After the devastating train accident in Taiwan with at least 50 dead, the alleged perpetrator apologized with tears.
In a trembling voice, Lee Li-hsiang read an emotional statement in front of numerous media representatives in which he emphasized his "deep remorse".
He will cooperate with the police and the public prosecutor's office and take on the necessary "responsibility".
In the train crash near the coastal city of Hualien in eastern Taiwan, at least 50 people died on Friday and around 200 others were injured.
According to the authorities, the cause of the accident was apparently Lee's construction vehicle, which slipped down an embankment and fell onto the tracks as the train was about to enter the tunnel.
Investigators are currently investigating whether Lee did not properly apply the handbrake on the vehicle or whether a mechanical problem triggered a brake failure.
Lee had been questioned by investigators over the weekend.
The 49-year-old has since been released on bail.
Transport Minister offers to resign
According to survivors, the train driver honked immediately before the accident.
According to this, however, he did not brake before crashing into the construction site vehicle - possibly because there was no longer enough time.
According to a report by The United Daily News published on Sunday, an analysis of video recordings showed that the construction vehicle was on the tracks before the train entered the tunnel without braking.
The train wreck - the worst in Taiwan in decades - sparked great sadness across the island.
The youngest victim of the train derailment was only four years old.
Critics complained about the lack of guard rails around the tracks at the scene of the accident.
Transport Minister Lin Chia-lung offered to resign.
However, the government in Taipei refused.
Lin should stay in office until the investigation is complete, it said.
hej / AFP