A fire at a hospital in southern Taiwan has resulted in the deaths of nine people, according to local media reports.
The blaze broke out at around 09:40 local time (01:00 GMT) in Pingtung County Hospital, coinciding with the arrival of Typhoon Krathon in neighboring Kaohsiung.
The severe weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, complicated firefighting efforts, delaying the response. Officials confirmed that the fire was extinguished more than three hours later, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest an electrical fault may be to blame.
Images from the scene show thick grey smoke pouring from one of the hospital buildings during the fire. Approximately 300 patients were evacuated, with some seeking refuge in a nearby commercial establishment.
Soldiers from a nearby military base joined local firefighters in battling the blaze. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
🔴TAIWAN 🇹🇼| 8 dead on Thursday 10/3 when a fire broke out in the morning in Antai Hospital in Donggang, Pingtung County, southern #Taiwan. #Pingtung is among the Taiwanese counties hit by #TyphoonKrathon which made landfall on the island with torrential rain and strong winds. pic.twitter.com/SE5bPRQ2Du
— Nanana365 (@nanana365media) October 3, 2024
