In the early hours of Saturday (August 22), a major waste fire and chain explosion occurred on a vacant lot in a residential area on Section 2, Haidian Road, Annan District, Tainan City, injuring 14 people, including 3 firefighters and 11 civilians. The fire spread to 11 households, affecting 57 residences and 20 vehicles, including fire engines, leaving the scene in chaos.
According to comprehensive media reports including Yahoo News, the incident happened at around 1:12 am on the 22nd, at a private vacant lot within an alley on Section 2 of Haidian Road, Annan District. Preliminary investigation by Tainan authorities indicates that the lot was suspected of illegally storing industrial machinery waste oil, aluminum materials, and "magnesia" and other chemical wastes.
At the time, it was raining heavily in the area. Some chemicals, such as magnesia, reportedly underwent a violent reaction upon contact with water, leading to a fire and a series of strong explosions, creating a dangerous situation at the scene.
The incident caused fire to spread to 11 households and affected 57 residences due to the shock wave from the explosions. In addition, a total of 20 vehicles were damaged, including 8 fire trucks, 1 ambulance, 2 disaster assessment vehicles, and private cars.
As of now, a total of 14 people have been injured and sent to the hospital for treatment, including 3 firefighters and 11 civilians.
Police launched an immediate investigation after receiving the report and have taken suspects involved in the illegal dumping of chemical waste for further questioning to clarify related responsibilities.
The Tainan Environmental Protection Bureau stated that afterwards, once the fire investigation confirms the illegal activity, those involved will be severely punished according to the Air Pollution Control Act and the Waste Disposal Act and other relevant regulations.
Authorities will also further investigate the source and storage conditions of the chemical waste and whether other illegal activity was involved, aiming to prevent similar incidents from happening again.