Police investigate water park fire that leaves 516 injured

A fire on a music stage spread into a crowd of spectators at a Saturday night party at a Taiwan water park, injuring more than 500 people, including eight in critical condition.

The fire was sparked by an accidental explosion of a coloured theatrical powder thrown from the stage in front of about 1,000 people. The powder for the one-time event, called ‘Colour Play Asia’, ignited along the ground, mainly burning people’s lower bodies, said Wang Wei-sheng, a liaison officer with the New Taipei City fire department command centre.

Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported witnesses as saying the fire at the Formosa Water Park in New Taipei City spread quickly after powder was blown into the air.

Taiwan Prime Minister Mao Chih-kuo yesterday announced a ban on parties that use flammable coloured powder.

A total of 516 people were reported to have burn injuries.

Eight people had life-threatening injuries, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.

The victims included four mainland Chinese and two foreigners. An 18-year-old from Taiwan was burned on 90% of her body.

Police were questioning two park workers who had launched the powder as well as the party’s on-site organizer and two technicians. They may face charges of professional negligence causing serious injuries, and endangering the public.

The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Video showed rescue workers and bystanders carrying burned and injured people on their backs, in inflatable boats, and on stretchers to get medical treatment.