TAICHUNG, Taiwan – Five construction personnel have been granted bail following their involvement in a deadly fire that broke out at an under-construction PX Mart processing center in Taichung. The incident, which occurred on December 19, resulted in the tragic deaths of nine individuals and left eight others injured. The bail amounts range from NT$50,000 (US$1,530) to NT$600,000.
Fire Incident Details and Arrests
The fire erupted when air-conditioning piping workers, cutting flooring with oxyacetylene, did not adhere to proper fire safety protocols. Sparks from the cutting process ignited nearby polystyrene boards, which fueled the blaze, causing significant damage and loss of life. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office has identified 24 people as potential defendants, including five individuals currently released on bail.
The accused include the on-site general manager of the air conditioning company and employees from the construction firm responsible for the site. They face charges of negligent homicide and negligent injury. Authorities have indicated that further investigation is underway.
Details on the Victims
The fire claimed the lives of nine individuals, with seven being Taiwanese nationals and two migrant workers. Among the migrant workers, one was an undocumented Vietnamese worker, which has raised concerns regarding labor conditions and safety protocols for foreign workers in Taiwan.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen confirmed the identities of the victims and expressed condolences, highlighting the severity of the incident and the need for heightened safety measures in construction sites.
Prosecutors and Safety Violations
The Taichung District Prosecutors Office disclosed that the accused individuals are suspected of gross negligence in their duties. Investigations have revealed that supervisors failed to enforce safety standards, contributing to the dangerous working conditions that led to the fire. Prosecutors are focusing on whether the construction company and its employees should be held accountable for the incident.
In response, the Taichung City government has acted swiftly, issuing a work suspension order for the ongoing construction at the PX Mart facility and imposing fines on both the contractor and the supervisor, as stipulated under the Building Act. Fines of up to NT$90,000 have been levied against the involved parties.
PX Mart’s Response and Reactions
PX Mart, Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain with over 1,200 stores nationwide, has faced scrutiny following the incident. The company has expressed deep regret over the tragic event and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. While the fire occurred at an under-construction facility, the safety of both workers and customers remains a priority for the company.
Table: Bail Amounts and Roles of the Accused
| Name of Accused | Role | Bail Amount |
|---|---|---|
| General Manager (Air Conditioning Company) | On-site project supervisor | NT$600,000 |
| Construction Firm Employee 1 | Construction worker | NT$200,000 |
| Construction Firm Employee 2 | Construction worker | NT$150,000 |
| Construction Firm Employee 3 | Construction worker | NT$50,000 |
| Air Conditioning Technician | Worker responsible for cutting floors | NT$100,000 |
FAQs:
Q1: What led to the deadly fire at the PX Mart facility?
A1: The fire occurred when workers were cutting flooring with oxyacetylene without proper fire safety precautions, causing sparks to ignite nearby polystyrene boards.
Q2: Who are the victims of the fire?
A2: The fire resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including seven Taiwanese nationals and two migrant workers, one of whom was an undocumented Vietnamese worker.
Q3: What charges are the five released on bail facing?
A3: The five individuals face charges of negligent homicide and negligent injury related to the fatal fire.
Q4: What actions have authorities taken in response to the incident?
A4: Authorities have imposed a work suspension on the PX Mart construction project and fined the contractor and supervisors for safety violations.
Q5: What is PX Mart’s response to the fire?
A5: PX Mart has expressed regret over the tragic incident and is cooperating with the authorities in the ongoing investigation.
