A tragic fire broke out at a hospital in Pingtung County, Taiwan, claiming the lives of at least nine individuals on Thursday. The incident occurred as the island faced the onslaught of Typhoon Krathon, which made landfall with intense rains and strong winds, causing widespread disruption.
The victims succumbed to smoke inhalation as the fire's origin remained under investigation. Prompt response efforts were initiated, with soldiers from a nearby base joining forces with medical personnel and firefighters to evacuate patients and extinguish the flames.
Reports indicated that 176 patients were swiftly relocated to safety at the front entrance, where they were transferred to ambulances or provided with tarps to shield them from the inclement weather. These individuals were subsequently moved to nearby shelters for further assistance.
Typhoon Krathon made its impact felt in Kaohsiung, a major port city, with wind speeds reaching 126 kph (78 mph) and even higher gusts, as confirmed by Taiwan's meteorological authorities. The slow-moving typhoon has battered the eastern and southern regions of the island over the past five days, prompting numerous evacuations from vulnerable areas.
The adverse weather conditions have led to significant damage across various sectors, including fishing and chemical industries, while also disrupting transportation networks and power supplies. Despite these challenges, Taiwan has made notable strides in enhancing the fire safety of public facilities by implementing stringent regulations and prohibiting smoking in certain areas.
Residents of Kaohsiung and Pingtung County have been advised by the weather administration to remain indoors during the passage of the storm's eye over their respective areas, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety during this critical period.
