Ceiling Collapse at Zhongli Commercial Building; Taoyuan City Orders Timely Repairs

(Central News Agency, reporter Wu Ruichi, Taoyuan, 8th) A citizen posted online that the ceiling of the arcade at the 'Century Plaza' commercial building in Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, collapsed over a large area, but no one was injured. The Taoyuan City Department of Urban Development stated today that this violates the Building Act. It will dispatch personnel to inspect and order timely improvements. If not completed within the deadline, a fine of NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 will be imposed.

A netizen posted a photo on social media today with the caption 'The Century ceiling suddenly fell,' adding that fortunately no one was hurt. The photo showed a citizen standing in the arcade looking at a pile of debris. Several large pieces of the ceiling, about 6 meters high, had fallen off, clearly exposing the wood and concrete structure inside.

Mr. Zhang, the chairman of the Century Plaza community management committee, said the building is about 20 years old. He speculated that the fallen ceiling, made of calcium silicate board, may have been caused by recent rainy and humid weather combined with strong wind pressure in the arcade. Fortunately, no one was injured. He stated they will repair the ceiling and clear the debris as quickly as possible to restore passage.

The Taoyuan City Government's Department of Urban Development responded that the 'New Century Building' holds a 2002 usage permit and is a 10-story above-ground, 4-story underground mixed-use commercial building. This year, with guidance from dedicated consultants from the Building Administration Office, a management committee was established and a building public safety inspection declaration was completed. The ceiling collapse in the arcade violates the Building Act. The building owner and user failed to properly maintain the safety of the building's structure and equipment. The Building Administration Office will dispatch personnel to inspect and notify the management authority to make improvements. If improvements are not completed within the deadline, a fine of NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 will be imposed under the Building Act. (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150608