Pinay tourist hurt in Taiwan train accident needs to undergo 2-week treatment — MECO

The Filipina tourist who was injured by a train in Taiwan must undergo a two-week rehabilitation before she could sit again, an official of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said Thursday.

“Sabi ng doktor it will take her about two weeks ng rehabilitation and treatment bago siya makaupo. And then, eventually, makakauwi na po siya sa Pilipinas,” MECO chairperson Cheloy Garafil said in an interview on Balitanghali.

(The doctor said it will take her about two weeks of rehabilitation and treatment before she can sit again. And then eventually, she can return to the Philippines.)

According to a 24 Oras report Wednesday, CCTV footage of the accident showed the Filipina standing close to the train tracks along Shifen Sky Lantern Old Street, taking what appeared to be a selfie photo and raising her left arm when the incoming train struck her. The Filipina fell to the ground and was dragged several feet.

She reportedly sustained injuries to her head, chest and pelvis that would require surgery.

Adding insult to injury, the Taiwan Railway Police Bureau reportedly said that the victim could be fined up to TWD50,000 or almost P100,000 for trespassing on the train railing in accordance with Taiwan's Railway Act.

Garafil said MECO will assist the Filipina in case she is fined.

“Syempre a-assist-an natin siya. Papakiusapan siguro natin na ‘wag naman siyang pag multahin kasi syempre malala po yung kanyang naging injuries, so ang MECO po will assist her kung saka-sakali pong i-pursue sa kanya ‘yung kanyang… supposed violation doon sa safety protocol,” she said.

(Of course, we will assist her. We would appeal to Taiwan so she won't be fined as the injuries she suffered are severe, so MECO will assist her in case they pursue the supposed violation of the safety protocol.)

Garafil said Taiwan authorities have yet to reach out to the Filipina regarding the alleged violation.

Meanwhile, Garafil expressed hope that this incident will not affect Taiwan’s visa-free status for Filipino tourists as it is an isolated occurrence.

She also called on Filipino tourists to observe the regulations of the country they are visiting.

“Pag nasa ibang bansa tayo, let’s all observe ‘yung kanilang mga rules and regulations, especially kapag nasa mga lugar tayo na medyo may peligro. Observe lang natin ‘yung mga safety protocols at syempre, ang mga, ang MECO naman, especially sa Taiwan will always assist them,” she said.

(If we are in another country, let's all observe their rules and regulations, especially for areas that are somewhat dangerous. Let's just observe the safety protocols. Of course, MECO, especially in Taiwan, will always assist them.) —RF, GMA Integrated News