BEIJING (AP) – A fire and subsequent explosions at a golf ball factory in southern Taiwan killed at least five people and injured more than 100 others, and five people are still missing. The fire began on Friday night at the factory in Pingtung county and raged overnight. Three firefighters were among the dead, authorities said.
Rescuers were still looking for four factory workers and one firefighter who remained unaccounted for, officials said. More than 100 people were taken to the hospital with injuries.
An emergency operation centre has been setup to offer assistance to those impacted by the fire. Sources said that the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
Authorities said that natural gas may have contributed to the explosions, which occurred as firefighters were attempting to put out the fire.
