Selfie Gone Wrong: Filipino Tourist Injured by Train in Taiwan

Travelling is all about capturing unforgettable moments, right? A perfect photo, a stunning backdrop, and a smile for the ‘gram. But sometimes, things can take a dangerous turn, especially when we forget about safety in our quest for the perfect shot. That’s exactly what happened recently to our kababayan who is visiting one of Taiwan’s most popular destinations.

Her experience serves as a powerful reminder to stay aware of your surroundings while travelling.

Also read: 10 Things to Do in Taipei for Your First Time in Taiwan, According to This Solo Traveller

A photo opportunity that went wrong

Image credit: Zhe_Wang71411 via X

On January 20th, a Filipino woman in her 30s was exploring Shifen Old Street in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Known for its vibrant sky lantern shops, Shifen is a charming spot that draws both locals and tourists. With picturesque streets, a bustling atmosphere, and scenic views, it’s the perfect place for a photo op.

But here’s where things went wrong. While many visitors were snapping photos of the lantern-filled sky, this tourist decided to take her picture near the train tracks. In an unfortunate twist, she positioned herself too close to the tracks and stretched out her arms for the perfect shot. What she didn’t realize was that a train was approaching fast. The train struck her, hitting her arm and sending her crashing to the ground.

The immediate medical attention

Image credit: 聯合新聞網

The consequences were serious. The woman suffered a deep cut to her face, measuring between 3 to 5 centimetres, along with injuries to her head, chest, and pelvis. The New Taipei City Fire Department acted quickly, and she was rushed to Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for emergency surgery.

Despite the severity of her injuries, reports confirmed that she remained conscious during the incident. By January 21st, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan confirmed that she was in stable condition, though she would need time to recover.

The legal implications: trespassing on railway property

While her health was the immediate concern, this incident also raises important legal questions. In Taiwan, the area around the railway is strictly off-limits to the public. Taiwanese police emphasized that trespassing on railway property is a serious offence, and this tourist may face significant fines as a result.

If found guilty of trespassing and compromising railway safety, fines could range from NT$50,000 to NT$100,000 (approximately ₱89,500 to ₱180,000). Should her actions result in more severe injuries, the fine could escalate from NT$100,000 to NT$300,000 (roughly ₱180,000 to ₱550,000).

This is not just a financial issue—it’s a stark reminder of how important it is to follow local regulations, especially when safety is at stake. A desire for the perfect shot led to a costly and dangerous mistake.

A travel safety lesson

The key takeaway from this incident is simple: always be aware of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines. Capturing the perfect photo is tempting, but no picture is worth risking your life or facing costly fines. Restricted areas like railway zones are off-limits for a reason, and entering them can have serious consequences.

While traveling, stay mindful of your environment. Stick to safe spots for photos, respect posted signs, and avoid restricted areas. Your safety is the most important souvenir you can bring home.

Also read: Safety Tips For Female Travellers: 15 Things You NEED To Know!

As you plan your next adventure, remember this lesson and prioritize safety over everything. No photo is worth putting yourself in harm's way.