Taiwan golf ball factory on fire, at least 5 dead and 100 injured

EPARescue workers at the burned-out golf ball factory

NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 06:33

A fire and subsequent explosions at a golf ball factory in Taiwan have left at least five dead and more than a hundred injured. Five people are missing.

The fire started at the factory in the southern Pingtung district on Friday night and continued throughout the night. Three firefighters were among the dead, authorities announced.

Rescuers are still looking for four factory employees and a missing firefighter.

Explosions

The Taiwanese president visited the factory on Saturday and spoke to injured people in hospital. She expressed her condolences to the families of the victims. A shelter has been opened for people affected by the fire.

According to authorities, released gas may have played a role in the explosions, which occurred when the fire brigade was already extinguishing the fire. Justice has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Source