Two Dead in Hsinchu Residential Explosion; Prosecutors Preliminarily Find Collapsed Wall Was Fatal

(CNA, Hsinchu City, June 9) Two people died in a residential explosion on Gaocui Road in Hsinchu City today. The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office stated that prosecutors and medical examiners conducted a preliminary autopsy, concluding that the victims suffered fatal injuries, including fractured ribs, from being crushed by a collapsing wall, with the cause of death being traumatic shock. The detailed cause of the accident is pending clarification.

The Hsinchu City Fire Department issued a statement saying they received a report from the public at 3:52 AM about a suspected gas leak at a residence on Gaocui Road in the city's East District. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 4:05 AM and reported a major explosion at 4:08 AM, dispatching additional personnel for support and rescue.

Hsinchu City Government held a press conference today where Mayor Kao Hung-an stated that the incident resulted in 2 deaths and 2 injuries. The two injured individuals have been discharged from the hospital to recover at home. As for the cause of the accident, it is suspected that a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder or its pipeline ruptured, causing a gas leak which was then ignited by an electrical spark, leading to a gas explosion.

Police and fire personnel told a CNA reporter that the two deceased were a 65-year-old man surnamed Wu and his 58-year-old wife surnamed Chang, who operated a grocery store. They were found trapped in a second-floor bedroom, pinned by a collapsed wall. Rescuers immediately cleared the debris to extract the two, but they were pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.

Prosecutor Lin Feng-shih of the Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office told the media that due to the explosion causing the wall to collapse, the two victims' chests, abdomens, and other areas were severely struck, causing fractures and other injuries, ultimately leading to death from traumatic shock. The detailed cause of the accident awaits further investigation.

At the scene of the accident, the metal roll-up doors of multiple residences could be seen deformed by the strong impact, and some building walls were also severely damaged. Police have set up a cordon, and the family of the deceased went to the site in the afternoon to perform soul-summoning rituals. (Editor: Long Po-an) 1150609