Reuters initial reported claiming 17 dead and at least 80 injured in the tragedy.
But Taiwan’s local United Daily News said 101 people were taken to hospital.
The Puyuma Express train came off the rails shortly before 5pm local time, leaving numerous people dead.
Pictures on social media show carriages lying on their sides as emergency crews dealt with the scene.
The train was travelling between Shulin and Taitung and many passengers were asleep when the crash happened.
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Six carriages were overturned as a result of the crash.
The local press in Taiwan claim there were more than 300 people on board.
It is also a popular railway with tourists.
It is not known at this stage what caused the train to derail, but the United Daily Times claims an “unknown object” could have made it overturn.
But Apple News claims mechanical failure could also be blamed.
The Taiwanese army is assisting with the rescue operation.
More to follow…