Dozens of people died after a major fire broke out at a building in southern Taiwan on Thursday, October 14.
The fire started in the early morning hours at a 13-story commercial and residential building in the city of Kaohsiung, according to Taiwan’s official Central News Agency (CNA).
The fire was extinguished within a few hours; however, rescue operations continued throughout the day as workers searched for individuals who might have been trapped.
As of Thursday afternoon, the cause of the fire remained unclear, with local police reviewing surveillance footage to gather more information.
Smoke rises from the 13-story building in Kaohsiung. The fire started at 2:54 a.m. local time, according to Taiwan’s official Central News Agency (CNA).
Firefighters were actively engaged in battling the blaze, and a total of 139 fire trucks and ambulances were deployed to the scene.
Firefighters prepare to enter the building. Even after the fire was put out, some people still had to be rescued.Firefighters battle the fire early on Thursday. A total of 139 fire trucks and ambulances were deployed to the scene.Firefighters search for people after the fire had been extinguished. Lam Yik Fei/Getty ImagesFirefighters take a break during their busy day. Lam Yik Fei/Getty ImagesThe building’s exterior walls are charred in the wake of the fire. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai explained that the first six floors were for commercial use, while floors seven and above were designated for housing.Firefighters work at the scene on Thursday. Lam Yik Fei/Getty ImagesKaohsiung’s mayor reported that numerous casualties occurred due to several factors: the fire erupted overnight, many residents were elderly, the stairwells were obstructed with debris, and the building materials failed to adhere to fire safety standards.Paramedics transport a dead body from the building on Thursday. Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
