Boulder crashes into car as rocks fall 'like bullets' during Taiwan earthquake

People trapped in the Yangqikou Mintunnel wave a red flag to attract rescuers. Photo: Taiwan Fire Department

Rescue workers were within 1,000 feet of the scene at about 10:30 a.m., but ongoing tremors and rockfalls slowed efforts, said Lin Yu-Chang, Taiwan Interior Minister. Rescuers are expected to arrive at the scene by 6 p.m. Thursday, he said. Meanwhile, goods are being delivered to the trapped people.

Other people remain trapped inside mines, buildings or on hiking trails in the area, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency. One miner who was rescued Thursday morning told local media that the quake and falling rocks felt «like bullets» and some witnessed one person being buried alive.

Wednesday's quake was the largest in Taiwan over the past 25 years. According to current government data, nine people were killed, 1,050 were injured and 34 people are still missing.

Government officials inspect the exterior of a partially destroyed residential building. Photo: Daniel Tseng/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Most of the deaths were tourists or people in vehicles killed by falling rocks, but one person was found dead inside a collapsed building after going inside to try to save his cat, local media reported.

Meanwhile, footage continues to emerge showing violent shaking as tremors and aftershocks rocked the island.

One video shows nurses at a hospital trying to protect newborn babies as the earthquake rocks their cribs from side to side.

Train service to Hualien was restored on Thursday, when the traditional tomb-sweeping festival began. However, several roads and tunnels remain blocked, and the government is working to expand sea connections and flights to connect Hualien with northern Taiwan.