Taiwan commemorates first anniversary of deadly blast

Agence France-Presse

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Taiwan commemorates first anniversary of deadly blast

EPA

Victims recall the deadly Formosa Fun Coast blast, which injured almost 500 people

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwan on Sunday, June 26, marked the first anniversary of an explosion which killed 15 and injured hundreds at a water park as victims and their relatives demanded justice for those responsible.

Just one organizer of the park party, which ended in disaster, has been sentenced so far.

Hundreds of survivors and relatives gathered for a memorial concert in Taipei to remember the dead and express their gratitude to medical, social, and charity workers.

Almost 500 were injured in the blast at Formosa Fun Coast outside Taipei, when clouds of multi-colored corn starch sprayed on revellers at a “color party” ignited due to heat from stage lights.

The park had rented out its premises to an events company for the party.

Horrific video footage showed partygoers, mostly aged between 18 and 25, screaming as they tried to escape the raging flames.

Prosecutors last year indicted party organizer Lu Chung-chi, who was among the 9 people being probed in the case.

Outraged victims and their families appealed for a new investigation, which was formally opened last month.

In April, Lu was sentenced to 4 years and 10 months in prison for negligence leading to death, as the court cited the “excruciating pain” of the bereaved.

But victims said the sentence was too light, and the park’s executives should also be held accountable.

“It is unacceptable that 15 people were killed but only the party organizer got a 4-plus-year jail term. That’s not justice. We bought tickets from the water park and it should be held responsible,” said 26-year-old accountant Huang Ching-chun, who has been on sick leave from her job since the accident.

More than 200 of the partygoers were seriously injured, some with getting 90% degree burns, leading to amputations in some cases. While they may have been released from the hospital, many are still enduring painful rehabilitation or surgery.

Chen Wei-han, a 25-year-old former swim coach, said she just wants to “return to my normal life and be able to look after myself” after she was hospitalized for 7 months with burns in nearly 70% of her face and body.

“The water park and New Taipei City government were both responsible for this huge public safety disaster. The victims and their families deserve justice,” Chen’s father added. – Rappler.com

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