An explosion at Formosa Water Park in Taiwan left more than 500 people injured, and now police are questioning the organizers of a party where the tragedy took place.
The incident happened Saturday night in Taiwan when colored powder being sprayed across a dance floor caught fire, exploding into a raging inferno that left 519 partygoers hurt .
Investigators are still trying to determine exactly how the Formosa Water Park explosion took place and whether there was any negligence on the part of organizers. Authorities have also banned the use of powder until its safety can be determined.
“The next few days will be a critical time for the injured,” Taiwan Premier Mao Chi-kuo told reporters.
The explosion took place during an event called “Color Play Asia” hosted by a separate marketing company that leased out space at the park.
Park organizers said they are cooperating with investigators.
“We are very regretful (for) this accident that caused injuries to many victims,” Formosa Fun Coast said in a statement. “The most urgent matter currently for us is to handle and assist with… victims on the scene and work comprehensively with the New Taipei Fire Department.”
Video of the incident hit the internet on Saturday, showing a party that turned into chaos when the clouds of colored powder suddenly ignited. The water park explosion video then showed crowds of people racing to get out of the flames, which engulfed the dance floor in a matter of seconds.
Pictures of the aftermath were just as disturbing, showing crowds of people walking into wading pools in an attempt to cool their wounds and a dance floor covered with deep pools of blood.
“There was blood and people were on fire,” one injured man said.
It was a difficult scene for emergency response teams, who were initially overwhelmed by the number of injuries. Pictures showed medical crews and even fellow partygoers loading some of the injured onto inflatable water park rafts to evacuate them from the area.
Many of the injuries were severe , including an 18-year-old girl named Chu Li who has burns on 80 percent of her body.
“Her whole life is ruined,” the girl’s father said on Sunday when President Ma Ying-jeou paid a visit to victims in a Taipei hospital.
But there have not been any fatalities reported yet.
The Formosa Water Park remains closed after the explosion, and authorities are still investigating the incident.
[Image via YouTube]
