A blaze that breaks out at a hospice near Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan, killing 9 people and injuring 11, Aug. 13, 2018. (Photo/China News Service)
(ECNS) - Nine people were killed, 11 critically injured and four slightly injured in a blaze that broke out at a hospice near Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan early Monday.
All 36 people, including three staff members, were evacuated after the fire started in a room on the 7th floor.
Local firefighting authorities said they received the fire report at 4:36 am although it broke out at 4:27 am, and dispatched 208 firemen to fight the fire, which was brought under control at 5:27 am.
The fire expanded rapidly because foam plastic used in beds were flammable while the door of the room where the fire broke out was not closed during evacuation, causing smoke to make matters worse, according to local authorities.
