Taiwan: Water park temporarily closed after huge fire leaves 516 injured

The Formosa Fun Coast water park near Taipei, Taiwan, was closed on Sunday, after a fire broke out on a dancefloor, leaving 516 people injured, 182 of which are still in intensive care. The blaze broke out during an event on Saturday evening after a powder that was sprayed over partygoers ignited creating an explosion and covering the dancers in flames. Over 1,000 people were believed to be at the party when the fire broke out. It is unclear at this stage what caused the powder to ignite. According to witnesses, people on fire ran to nearby pools and rescue crews treated hundreds in the immediate aftermath for burns and respiratory issues, using inflatable rubber rings as stretchers. Authorities managed to bring the fire under control shortly after the initial explosion and police detained five people, including the event organisers, who may face charges of negligence regarding public safety. The mayor of New Taipei City Eric Chu ordered the water park to be shut down whilst an investigation into the cause of the explosion is carried out. It is believed that the powder sprayed over the partygoers may have been corn starch, which is highly flammable. The use of the powder has been banned until the investigation has ended.