A tragic fire engulfed a hospital in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, on Thursday, resulting in the loss of nine precious lives.
The fire reported at 7:40 am, was eventually extinguished shortly after 1 pm, according to Taiwan’s fire agency.
The fire agency confirmed that eight victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment, and another was discovered deceased at the scene.
The incident occurred on the same day Typhoon Krathon made landfall in southern Taiwan, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Although Taiwanese authorities did not establish a direct link between the fire and the typhoon, Krathon’s impact was severely felt across the island. The powerful storm forced the closure of schools and offices for a second consecutive day, leaving two people dead and over 100 injured.
The Pingtung County Hospital fire has raised concerns about emergency preparedness and response measures in place to mitigate such disasters.