Blaze at Taiwanese Chemical Plant Claims 2 Lives, Injures 19

A fire broke out early Thursday at a chemical fiber plant in in Hsinchu, Taiwan, resulting in the deaths of two workers and injuries to 19 others, according to local reports.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene at 2:53 a.m. local time (18:53 GMT, Wednesday) and managed to put out the fire by 3:30 a.m. (19:30 GMT).

Authorities from the local fire department confirmed that two employees suffered fatal heart attacks—one at the site and the other later at the hospital.

Among the 19 injured, five individuals remain in critical condition, while 14 sustained minor injuries.

According to the company based in Xinpu Township, the fire was triggered by a gas explosion caused by a leak in an insulation pipe. The company assured support for the affected workers and their families.

Despite the incident, factory operations remain unaffected, with daily production continuing at approximately 160 tons of chemical fiber, the company stated.

Photo credit: Hsinchu County Fire Bureau. All rights reserved.