Taiwan water park nightmare: ‘It was like Hell’
Witnesses of Saturday’s water park explosion in Taiwan that left hundreds injured have described the horrifying scenes, with one witness likening it to “being in Hell.”
“Many were on fire, shouting and bleeding. The pool was filled with blood, and people were just drifting,” one young male told local media at the scene, “many were skinless.”
The explosion that hit a water park party in New Taipei City Saturday night left at least 510 hospitalized, with about 200 in serious condition.
Among the injured, four female students are confirmed to be from the Chinese mainland, with three in critical condition.
An initial probe suggests that overheated powder sprayed toward partygoers resulted in the explosion. Amateur video of the event shows a large explosion followed by people fleeing for their lives through the flames.
Local inspectors are currently examining the 17 powder spray guns used at the site, according to firefighters. Five staff members have been detained for questioning.
Police say around 12 thousand people attended the Color Play Asia event at the Formosa Fun Coast water park on Saturday.
New Taipei City mayor Eric Chu said he has called on assistance from medical institutions in nearby cities.