Power bank catches fire on Taichung train

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A student’s power bank caught fire on a Taichung-bound train, leaving scorch marks on a seat and causing a 22-minute delay.

The 2122 local train, traveling from Changhua to Taichung's Houli District, was approaching Lilin Station at 6:52 a.m. when the power bank, stored in a backpack in Car No. 4, ignited and filled the carriage with smoke.

The train conductor used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. After the fire was extinguished, the train was moved to Fengyuan Station, where the railway police collected evidence. The train resumed service at 7:19 a.m.

Because the incident left scorch marks on a seat, the railway said it will seek compensation from the student.