The organizer of a party at the Formosa Fun Coast waterpark that ended in a deadly dust explosion has been charged with professional negligence leading to death and injury.
Lu Chung-chi is the head of the company that organized the Color Play Asia event, held at the waterpark on June 27. An explosion sent flames into a crowd after the colored starch sprayed into the air caught fire.
The explosion has led to twelve deaths and nearly 500 injuries. 71 remain hospitalized with ten listed in critical condition. An investigation has revealed that the fire began in a stage light.
While Lu has been formally charged, the Shilin District Prosecutor’s Office has dropped charges against seven other defendants, including the waterpark’s chairman due to lack of evidence.
However, a report by Taiwan’s Central News Agency says that the New Taipei City government may petition the Taiwan High Prosecutor’s Office to reconsider reinstating the charges.