At least 9 dead, over 100 people injured in Taiwan golf factory fire

TAIPEI – At least nine people died and more than 100 were injured in a fire and explosions on Friday at a factory in southern Taiwan that makes golfing equipment.

One person was still listed as missing as further testing was required to verify the identity of some body fragments found at the scene, a county official told AFP.

Taiwan’s fire department said the blaze broke out at a plant in an industrial zone in the county of Pingtung. The Taiwanese media said the fire happened at about 5.30pm local time.

After being alerted, Pingtung’s fire department sent firefighters to the scene. It said plastic pellets, rubber and other flammable materials were at the factory, and so was natural gas.

It was believed that some of these materials may have resulted in the explosions. It was reported that there were bursts of flames and thick smoke.

The collapse of some factory structures also trapped victims. Search and rescue operations continued till about 6am on Saturday.

The cause of the fire and subsequent explosions remained under probe, said the Taiwanese media.

President Tsai Ing-wen visited the scene on Saturday morning and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. She said an investigation into the cause of the tragedy is under way.

“I want to thank everyone for their hard work and please stay safe,” Ms Tsai told emergency response personnel.

She also stopped at the morgue to pay respects to the victims and visited the injured at a hospital. AFP, REUTERS