High-speed train is forced to stop

A high-speed train from Seoul was forced to stop in the southeastern city of Miryang yesterday after passengers complained of smoke rising from the back of the train, railroad officials said.

The KTX-Sancheon, the first locally made high-speed train that runs at a speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph), came to an abrupt halt yesterday morning on its way to Masan on the south coast, according to the train’s operator, Korea Railroad Corp.

A total of some 180 passengers quickly got off the train, only after which Korail announced the smoke was caused by a short circuit.

One passenger, who gave only his last name Kim, said some travelers in the back of the train were not able to breathe properly due to the smoke that filled the carriage. All passengers were later transferred to another train for the rest of their journey.

Yonhap