7-2-2024 (TAIPEI) In a rather desperate move, a 28-year-old man, identified as Hsieh, resorted to pulling the emergency brake on a train in Taiwan after realizing he had overslept and missed his intended stop, according to reports from Taiwanese media.
Hsieh was aboard the No. 422 train on February 2, with the intention of alighting at Taitung station. However, he only woke up from his slumber when the train was already approaching Jinlun station, far beyond his intended destination.
Faced with the urgency to disembark the train, Hsieh took matters into his own hands and pulled the emergency brake, causing the train to abruptly halt at Jinlun station. CCTV footage from the railway operator captured the moment when Hsieh, situated in the ninth carriage, engaged the emergency brake. As a result, all the other passengers on board were compelled to disembark at Jinlun station and wait for the next available train, causing a delay in the service.
The railway operator promptly reported the incident to the Taiwanese police, who subsequently identified Hsieh and requested his presence at the police station for questioning.
During the investigation, Hsieh allegedly explained to the police that his intention was to alert the train conductor to stop the train by pulling the emergency brake, but he did not anticipate that it would bring the entire train to a complete halt.
If found guilty, Hsieh could face a fine ranging from NT$10,000 ($430) to NT$1 million.
