A series of explosions in the southern city of Kaohsiung has left 25 dead and 267 injured. A petrochemical leak in underground pipes is suspected to be the cause of the explosions.
The explosions ripped open roads over an area of two to three square kilometers. Cars were overturned and motorcycles mangled after being thrown into the air by the powerful blasts.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu has been urging people to leave the affected areas and asked the fire department to standby in case there is another explosion.
“The petrochemical explosions that happened Thursday in the city of Kaohsiung have caused serious damage and loss of life," said Chen. "We believe that in the future, the economics ministry should reconsider the placement of industrial pipelines to ensure the safety of Kaohsiung citizens.”
Meanwhile, President Ma Ying-jeou has instructed all government agencies to cooperate in the search and rescue efforts.
“If Mayor Chen has any requests, we will do our best to help," the president said. "We have established an emergency response center to coordinate local and central government agencies. We hope to minimize the damage and prevent such tragedy from happening again.”
Offices and schools in the affected areas were shut down Friday to facilitate emergency work. The city government has designated a cultural center and eight schools as emergency shelters.
Firefighters from neighboring cities and counties as well as hundreds of troops were called in to help as President Ma Ying-jeou ordered "all-out rescue efforts."
The Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office said it will look into pressing criminal charges once the situation has been brought under control and responsibility for the explosions determined. More than 7,500 households were without power and nearly 24,000 households were out of gas as of Friday evening.