A month after a deadly train derailment in eastern Taiwan shook the nation, musicians in Hualien have gathered for a one-off performance.
A string ensemble’s mournful melody echoes around the concert hall in Hualien County. In attendance are rows upon rows of people. And all 600 of them played a part in the recovery process after last month’s fatal train derailment.
April 2 saw Taiwan’s worst train accident in decades, with a train derailment in Hualien leaving 49 dead and more than 200 injured. Thursday's performance was all about thanking ordinary citizens for their tireless efforts to help after the disaster. They include rescue workers, firefighters and funeral staff.
Christian music group Thunder Tune was behind the event. Organizer Chen Shou-shih explains. He says many people turned to alcohol to cope with trauma in the aftermath of the accident. Pastor Lin Wei-tao says it’s about showing rescue workers that Christians care about them and are grateful for their help.
The organizers hope the event can provide the audience with some comfort and draw others’ attention to their heroic efforts.