Private donations have flooded in to help the burn victims from a devastating explosion at a water park in New Taipei last weekend. As of Saturday, private sector donations have topped NT$700 million (nearly US$23 million).
Some 500 people were injured during a party at the park when colored powder that was sprayed on partygoers exploded and burst into flames. The powder was made of cornstarch, which is flammable. Two people have died and more than 200 are in critical condition.
New Taipei City’s Social Welfare Department says that government officials are continuing to pay visits to the victims in hospitals throughout Taiwan. The department says that social workers are also at the different hospitals and responding to the needs of the families.
Meanwhile, the Legal Aid Foundation says that it has assembled a hundred-person legal team that’s prepared to represent the burn victims in court. It’s set to offer more details at a press conference on Monday.