TAIPEI, July 18 -- One person has been confirmed dead and 15 others injured after an explosion hit a restaurant in Feng Chia business district of Taichung, Taiwan Tuesday lunchtime, local authorities said.
The body of a woman was found in the second floor bathroom above the restaurant hours after the blaze was brought under control. The victim was identified as a 19-year-old surnamed Chen, according to local authorities.
A series of explosions were heard emanating from the restaurant shortly after noon, and fire enveloped the site and an adjacent clothing store, a noodle restaurant and a curry restaurant, according to the local fire bureau.
A total of 14 people were taken to hospital, with injuries including severe burns.
Wu, 30, the owner of the restaurant suffered burns to over 90 percent of his body and is in a critical condition. Other victims included a 35-year-old pregnant woman and six people believed to be students from a nearby university.
One person, who did not seek medical assistance at the scene, later fell ill and visited a local hospital. The number of victims may increase, local authorities said.
A total of 69 fire fighters and 23 fire vehicles brought the blaze under control.
A gas leak might have caused the blaze, according to the local fire bureau. Further investigation continues.
