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Raging fire destroys Taichung factory

Members of a chemical warfare unit move into position near a factory fire in Taichung, yesterday, in order to prevent the spread of chemical contaminants. PHOTO: LIAO TUNG, TAIPEI TIMES

A fire raged through a fertilizer plant in Taichung yesterday early afternoon, injuring at least 16 people and causing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage, police said.

"The fire was under control by early evening, and it appeared nobody died in the incident," Taichung Mayor Jason Hu (胡自強) said.

Police said an explosion broke out at the plant early yesterday afternoon in a Taichung industrial area. The plant then caught fire, and the flames ignited chemical stocks, sending thick smoke billowing hundreds of feet into the sky.

The pillar of smoke could be seen miles away from the site of the fire.

Police said the Taichung industrial area has a number of chemical plants, and initially the authorities were concerned that the fire might spread to other chemical plants, causing a major disaster.

Authorities therefore ordered additional firefighters and equipment to the site.

Police also sent helicopters equipped with firefighting equipment to the area. Firefighters finally got the blaze under control by early yesterday evening.

Additionally, the Ministry of National Defense sent special army chemical warfare units to the area to deal with the possibility of chemical contamination spreading to residential neighborhoods.

However, authorities said contamination appeared to be under control.

"The environmental bureau of the Taichung City Government has searched for chemical contamination around the area, and initially found no contamination that threatened human health," Hu said.

However, Hu called for residents living around the site of the fire to watch out for side-effects.

Hu said the city government has received medicine for detoxification purposes from the health bureau. If residents feel that they have been poisoned, the city government will offer the medicine.

Police said that there were no fatalities during the incident, and no injuries appeared to be life-threatening. Most of the injured victims were suffering from smoke inhalation, police added.

Hospital officials said victims were suffering only mild affects, and said hopefully most could leave the hospital soon.

A local doctor said residents should avoid exposure to rain for a few days, because acid rain could occur from the chemical particles released by the fire into the air. The acid rain could cause hair loss and skin diseases.
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