Abandoned School Explosion in Zhuxi, Chiayi County: 2 University Students Detained
Two university students, surnamed Zhou and Yu, have been detained in connection with an explosion at an abandoned elementary school in Zhuxi Township, Chiayi County. They are suspected of manufacturing and detonating explosives twice at the site. While Yu admitted to the crime, Zhou partially denied involvement. The court ordered their detention and restricted visits, citing concerns about collusion and the potential for repeated offenses.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 16:56
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 18:00 (1h 4m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 12:50 (186h 49m after Collected)
The Chiayi County Fire Department was reported around noon on the 3rd that thick smoke was rising from a long-abandoned elementary school campus in Guanghua Village, Zhuxi Township. Firefighters were dispatched, and upon arrival, there was no fire or smoke, but the classroom doors and windows were severely twisted and deformed, unlike a typical fire. The police and fire investigators were immediately notified.
Guanghua Village Chief Deng De-sheng told CNA today that on the 3rd, villagers heard a loud explosion and then saw thick smoke rising from the abandoned elementary school campus. Everyone brought water to extinguish the fire, and fortunately, no one was injured.
On the 4th, the police tracked down and arrested a man surnamed Zhou and a man surnamed Yu, both university students, who were suspected of detonating explosives at the scene. After police questioning, they were transferred on suspicion of violating the Act Governing the Control of Guns, Ammunition, and Knives, among other charges. After further questioning by the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office, a request for detention was filed with the Chiayi District Court, which ruled for detention and restricted visits on the 5th.
The Chiayi District Court stated that Zhou and Yu jointly manufactured explosives and detonated them twice at an elementary school in Chiayi County. Yu admitted to the crime, while Zhou only admitted to the objective acts of manufacturing explosives and blowing up the elementary school's doors and windows. The judge, based on the evidence presented by the prosecutor, determined that the two were seriously suspected of illegally manufacturing explosives and other crimes.
The Chiayi Court said that Zhou was reserved about the acts of manufacturing and detonating explosives, and his statement differed from Yu's. Given human nature, Zhou, facing serious charges, has a high possibility of colluding with Yu to shirk responsibility, and there are substantial reasons to believe that the two have a risk of colluding with co-conspirators.
The Chiayi Court stated that Zhou and Yu repeatedly manufactured explosives and detonated them at an elementary school in Chiayi County, and the quantity and weight of the explosives they manufactured were not trivial. There are facts sufficient to believe that the two have a risk of repeatedly committing the same crime. Therefore, the court ruled for detention and prohibited visits, communications, and receipt of items. (Editor: Hsiao Po-wen) 1150407
Guanghua Village Chief Deng De-sheng told CNA today that on the 3rd, villagers heard a loud explosion and then saw thick smoke rising from the abandoned elementary school campus. Everyone brought water to extinguish the fire, and fortunately, no one was injured.
On the 4th, the police tracked down and arrested a man surnamed Zhou and a man surnamed Yu, both university students, who were suspected of detonating explosives at the scene. After police questioning, they were transferred on suspicion of violating the Act Governing the Control of Guns, Ammunition, and Knives, among other charges. After further questioning by the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office, a request for detention was filed with the Chiayi District Court, which ruled for detention and restricted visits on the 5th.
The Chiayi District Court stated that Zhou and Yu jointly manufactured explosives and detonated them twice at an elementary school in Chiayi County. Yu admitted to the crime, while Zhou only admitted to the objective acts of manufacturing explosives and blowing up the elementary school's doors and windows. The judge, based on the evidence presented by the prosecutor, determined that the two were seriously suspected of illegally manufacturing explosives and other crimes.
The Chiayi Court said that Zhou was reserved about the acts of manufacturing and detonating explosives, and his statement differed from Yu's. Given human nature, Zhou, facing serious charges, has a high possibility of colluding with Yu to shirk responsibility, and there are substantial reasons to believe that the two have a risk of colluding with co-conspirators.
The Chiayi Court stated that Zhou and Yu repeatedly manufactured explosives and detonated them at an elementary school in Chiayi County, and the quantity and weight of the explosives they manufactured were not trivial. There are facts sufficient to believe that the two have a risk of repeatedly committing the same crime. Therefore, the court ruled for detention and prohibited visits, communications, and receipt of items. (Editor: Hsiao Po-wen) 1150407
FAQ
Who was arrested in connection with the explosion in Zhuxi, Chiayi County?
Two university students, surnamed Zhou and Yu, were arrested.
What charges led to the detention of the arrested university students?
They were detained on suspicion of manufacturing and detonating explosives, as well as concerns about collusion with co-conspirators and the potential for repeated offenses.