New Taipei has teamed up with the health ministry to set up a new center to take care of the long-term needs of people injured in an explosion at a water park in late June. The center, which is located at a hospital in Banciao, began operations on Tuesday.
It’s been a little over half a month since the incident occurred, and there are still more than 400 people in hospital, including over 200 in critical condition. The victims were injured during a party when colored powder that was sprayed on the crowd exploded and burst into flames.
Premier Mao Chi-kuo was on hand for the opening of the new center on Tuesday. He thanked all of the people who have donated their money and time to help the victims. Mao said that the road to recovery is a long one, but that the central government will work with the local government to take care of the victims.
The new center has conference rooms, group therapy rooms, and facilities to treat the burn victims. The staff has begun making phone calls and setting up interviews with the victims and their families, to determine what they need.
New Taipei Mayor Eric Chu was also at Tuesday’s opening. He said the purpose of the center is to provide the victims and their families with one-stop service. He said it would enable people to come together to help the injured.
“I believe that the compassion of the Taiwanese people, and the far-reaching strength of our joint efforts can enable these young people to overcome [their situation] and be reintegrated into society," said Chu.
"Many entrepreneurs have also promised to give these young people opportunities to work.”
In the first three months, the center will assess the needs of the victims and help the families. After that it will prioritize mental health and counseling. Long-term care will focus on fulfilling educational and training needs, and providing work opportunities.