Taiwan is coming out with new safety rules for firework shows and other events that could pose hazards to participants. That’s in light of the tragic Formosa Fun Park fire in June. Colored powder caught on fire during a show at the park and resulted in 12 deaths and 300 persons seriously injured. Over 300 people had burns to over 60% of their bodies.
The new safety rules are to ensure that people can evacuate safely within 30 minutes of any accident. Medical personnel must also be able to reach the site within 6 minutes. Tourism official Tang Wei-rao explained what type of events will have to abide by the new rules.
“The types of events include first sky lantern events; second are any performances that have fires, sparks or flames; third are firecrackers and fireworks; fourth are hot air balloons and aerial events; and fifth are running events," said Tang.
"These five types of events must turn in their safety management plans to local authorities a month before the event."
The new law will go into effect on November 15. Those who fail to turn in these plans will be fined up to NT$50,000.