Taiwan Gas Explosion Kills 24, Injures 271

A gas explosion killed 24 people and injured 271 Friday in Taiwan’s second city, spreading flames to buildings including small shops.

Disaster authorities said police and soldiers had been called in to help firefighters after the blast gutted the port city in Kaoshiung, including neighboring shops and buildings.

Four firefighters were reported dead, with the death toll likely to rise sharply.

Reports added that the explosion sent flames throughout the district with smoke billowing high into the air.
The flames also shot up from sewers and gutters while water from burst mains gushed through the streets, reports added.

Locals said the blast shook buildings like there was an earthquake, toppling small shops and overturning vehicles.

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou assured tough measures to prevent any recurrence of the incident, saying further arrangements and inspections were made.

After the blast rescuers formed a chain to pull dozens of injured from a vast crater in the street. They also picked their way through piles of rubble as they carry the injured away on stretchers.

Victims overcome by smoke were resuscitated in the street, report said.

Emergency center to be staffed by servicemen were set up by Kaohsiung authorities.

Report said by morning, firefighters had regained control of the district and were moving in protective white gear through streets covered in upturned asphalt and smashed vehicles.

Source: GMA news online

Image Credit: news.yahoo.com