Taiwan: Fire in New Taipei City kills nine August 13

Event

Early on Monday, August 13, nine people were killed and 15 injured in a fire that broke out at a hospice in New Taipei City’s Xinzhuang district. The fire started on the seventh floor of a nine-story hospital around 04:30 (local time). Dozens of emergency vehicles and several hundred firefighters were dispatched to the scene. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, although authorities suspect the fire may have been sparked by the explosion of an oxygen tank.

Advice

Individuals present in New Taipei City are advised to avoid nonessential travel to Xinzhuang district, anticipate local road restrictions, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.