Taiwan: Emergency crews responding to factory fire in Pingtung late Sept. 22

Event

Emergency crews responding to a fire and a related explosion at the Pingtung Science and Technology Industrial Park on Jingjian Road, Pingtung, late Sept. 22. Preliminary reports indicate the fire began at 18:00 before a related explosion occurred and left at least one person killed and 80 others injured. Sources suggest people are trapped inside the affected structure. The cause of the incident remained immediately unclear; officials are likely to provide updates over the coming hours.

Authorities will likely maintain an increased security presence near the incident scene. Associated localized transport disruptions are likely. Lingering disruptions are possible until the emergency response officials depart the investigation scene.

Advice

Avoid the impacted area until investigation operations conclude. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the incident site. Consider remaining indoors to avoid smoke exposure, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water. Heed all official advisories, including evacuation orders.