Taiwan announces cause of explosion at water park

The deputy mayor of New Taipei City, Taipei, Taiwan, said that flammable powder used on stage exploded.

Taiwanese authorities have confirmed that a fire and explosion at a water park on the outskirts of Taipei last night was caused by flammable powder used to create special effects on stage. At least 516 people were injured, most of them with burns, when a fire broke out after a loud explosion on the main stage of the water park.

Rescue workers tend to victims (Getty Images)

Speaking at a press conference on the fire, Deputy District Chief of New Taipei City Hou Yu-ih said today (June 28) that flammable powder was used on stage and exploded when it encountered a large heat source, but the source of this heat is still unclear: "According to the preliminary investigation results of the fire department at the scene, the powder was sprayed on the stage to create a special effect.

Investigators are working with the person who sprayed the flammable powder on stage. The powder was sprayed on the West Wing of the stage and encountered a large heat source or vapor, resulting in a fire. The Fire Department’s Investigation Center is continuing to investigate and determine where the large heat source originated. It could have been the heat from the stage lights or someone smoking nearby.”

The massive explosion occurred during a “Colors of Asia” party rented by an independent event company at the water park. The fire spread quickly and engulfed a crowd of about 1,000 spectators. Taiwanese authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities, but most of the victims suffered burns to 50% of their bodies.

According to VOV.VN