Taiwan, Taipei: On 16 March, a fire at the Zhuyuan extra-high-voltage substation in Hsinchu left one contractor dead and two others injured. The blaze occurred around 3:30 p.m. while Taipower staff were carrying out equipment testing.
Emergency services responded with 20 fire engines, 41 firefighters, and two firefighting robots. One worker was found in cardiac arrest outside the hospital and later pronounced dead, while the other two sustained burns and a leg fracture. The injured were taken to hospital for treatment.
Hsinchu City officials said they are assisting the families with labour insurance, occupational accident compensation, and any potential civil claims. Taipower has been ordered to halt work at the substation while the cause of the fire is investigated. Safety procedures and mechanisms will also be reviewed to prevent similar incidents.
Environmental authorities warned that smoke from the fire may affect nearby areas in Hsinchu City and parts of Hsinchu County due to north-northwesterly winds. Residents were advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and wear masks if going outside.
Source: Taiwan News
