Wang Wei-sheng, a liaison with the New Taipei City fire department command center said an accidental explosion of an unknown powder, possibly a theatrical powder, set off the fire near the front of the stage where about 1.000 spectators were gathered.
The explosion and fire happened about 8:30 p.m. (8:30 a.m. ET) at the Formosa Fun Coast. The park was hosting a Color Play Asia party. The exact cause of the fire has not been determined but is under investigation. Police have been questioning the head of the park, according to CNN News, quoting the East Asian nation’s official Central News Agency (CNA).
CNA has reported the fire was quickly brought under control. Wang said 83 people have serious injuries and 131 have minor injuries. Focus Taiwan news channel is saying 167 people were sent to hospitals in Taipei and New Taipei for emergency treatment.
Mayor Eric Chu arrived at the scene of the accident about 10:30 p.m., saying this was the “worst incident of mass injury in New Taipei,” Due to the large number of people injured, Chu asked for help with ambulance services from Taipei, Taoyuan and Keelung.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said all military hospitals in Northern Taiwan were ready to take any injured victims while military personnel have been dispatched to the water park to help in rescue efforts. President Ma Ying-jeou has instructed Premier Mao Chi-kuo and Mayor Chu to make every effort to provide necessary assistance.
