Story highlights
Water park: A separate marketing firm put on the "Color Play Asia" party
Video shows a fireball erupting, followed by people running through flames
Firefighters believe a flammable powder exploded in midair, according to state news
Of the injured, 182 are hospitalized in intensive care units, New Taipei public health officials said. More than 60 have been discharged after treatment.
Eight of the injured were reported to be in critical condition Sunday morning. Forty-three people had been discharged from hospitals after treatment.
Firefighters said the firestorm erupted around 8:30 p.m. Saturday (8:30 a.m. ET), when a flammable powder substance blew up over a stage at Formosa Fun Coast, according to a CNA report.
CNA reported that “the fire was quickly brought under control,” but not before hundreds suffered injuries.
Video showed a massive fireball suddenly engulfing the stage, followed by screaming people running for their lives through flames.
Some people used large, inflated inner tubes as stretchers to carry out the injured, CNA reported.
Mayor Eric Chu called it the “worst incident of mass injury (ever) in New Taipei,” Taiwan’s most populous city.
Formosa Fun Coast said the fiery explosion occurred during a “Color Play Asia” party put on by a separate company that leased out space at the park.
“We are very regretful (for) this accident that caused injuries to many victims,” Formosa Fun Coast said in a statement. “The most urgent matter currently for us is to handle and assist with … victims on the scene and work comprehensively with the New Taipei Fire Department.”