Woman in Taiwan dies after fire at water park

(Baonghean.vn) - A 20-year-old woman who suffered severe burns in an explosion at a water park died on Monday, June 29, a hospital official said.

Rescue victims of the fire and explosion at Formosa Fun Coast water park - Photo: Reuters

Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare also said she was the first person to die from Saturday's explosion in New Taipei City that injured hundreds of people, including more than 200 who remain in intensive care.

Taiwan has immediately banned the use of colored powder at all public events while investigators determine the cause of the explosion. Investigators said the powder, which was scattered over a crowd at the event, caught fire, creating a fireball that burned 499 people. The total number of injuries reported by Sunday was more than 500, double the previously announced number of victims.

Event organizers said on their Facebook page that they used a mixture of cornstarch and food coloring to make the powder. They prepared three tons and it may have been ignited by a cigarette, light, sound equipment or another electrical device, Taiwan's Central News Agency quoted New Taipei's deputy mayor Hou Yu-ih as saying.

Lu Chung-chi, the organizer who was questioned by investigators on Sunday, was later released on a $32,000 fine and banned from leaving the country, the state-run Central News Agency said.

Phuong Thao

(According to New York Times)