:quality(80)/cdn-kiosk-api.telegraaf.nl/b649fe7e-38c0-11ec-9c39-02d2fb1aa1d7.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1 "Fire with 46 dead in Taiwan was caused by woman who burned incense | Abroad")
This is reported by local authorities. The fire, the worst in decades on the island, has struck a 15-storey building in the city of Kaohsiung. A resident of the property was remanded in custody on suspicion of accidental negligent homicide and endangering public safety.
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“Mrs Huang appears to be responsible” for the fire, the Kaohsiung city council concluded in a report released Friday. “She did not verify that the incense was completely extinguished before leaving the building . . . which subsequently led to the fire.”
Possible charge
Authorities are still deciding whether to charge her. According to authorities, the woman confessed to lighting sandalwood to repel the mosquitoes, but made incoherent statements about what happened next.
The fire destroyed several floors before being brought under control hours later. The fire service explained that the first five floors were filled with rubbish and left-over junk from commercial businesses, creating a huge amount of smoke that penetrated the homes above.
Taiwan has strict rules, but safety standards are not always properly applied, especially in old buildings. The drama also shed light on the appalling living conditions of elderly people on low incomes, some of whom have mental problems or disabilities.
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