A devastating fire erupted at a golf ball factory in Taiwan, claiming the lives of at least six people, including three courageous firefighters who perished in a tragic explosion, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The fire, which broke out on Friday evening, continued to rage throughout the night, leaving over 100 people injured, the majority of whom were factory workers, according to the Pingtung county government.

As the ordeal unfolded, one firefighter and three other individuals remained missing, adding to the sombreness of the situation. The incident prompted a swift response from local authorities and emergency services.

Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-wen, visited the scene on Saturday morning to offer her condolences to the families of the victims. She emphasised that a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the tragedy is already underway. Speaking to the dedicated emergency response personnel, President Tsai expressed her gratitude for their tireless efforts, saying, “I want to thank everyone for their hard work and please stay safe.”

President Tsai also paid her respects to the victims at the morgue and visited the injured individuals receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Her presence offered solace to those affected by the disaster and conveyed the government’s commitment to supporting the community during this challenging time.

An official from the Pingtung Fire Department disclosed to local media that stored chemical peroxide within the factory premises could have triggered the massive explosion and subsequent smaller blasts. The impact of these explosions resulted in several individuals becoming trapped inside the facility, leading to the collapse of a section of the factory roof.