TAIPEI // A series of gas explosions on the streets of a southern Taiwanese city killed at least 15 people and injured 228 others late on Thursday night.
Taiwan’s premier, Jiang Yi-huah, said at least five explosions shook Kaohsiung. The national fire agency said five firefighters were among the dead.
Video from Taiwanese broadcaster ETTV showed a large fire burning the middle of a street, with smoke rising into the night sky.
A motorcycle and other debris were scattered across the middle of the road.
Mobile-phone video captured the sound of a secondary explosion as flames leapt at least 9 metres into the air.
The force of the initial blast also felled trees lining the street. Local TVBS showed overturned cars and shattered windows.
Power was cut off in the area, making it difficult for firefighters to search for others who might be buried in rubble.
* Associated Press