ROC Cabinet supports New Taipei blaze victims

2015/06/30

The victims of a flash-fire that swept through an after-dark water park dance party June 27 in New Taipei City are receiving full medical assistance coordinated through a task force under the ROC Cabinet. Established following an emergency meeting convened June 28 by Premier Mao Chi-kuo, the task force is overseen by Minister without Portfolio Yeh Shin-cheng. It is mobilizing national resources in response to the tragedy that killed one and injured 497 at Bali District’s Formosa Water Park. “The Ministry of Health and Welfare is managing resources for skin transplants and other medical supplies,” Mao said. “We have ample medical assets in place for follow-up treatment.” Four medical centers have been directed to organize skin donations in northern Taiwan, while the Taiwan Organ Registry and Sharing Center, Taiwan Society for Burn Injuries and Wound Healing, and Taiwan Society of Plastic Surgery are joining in arranging donations from the south. According to Mao, all regional hospitals, as well as those in central and southern Taiwan, are preparing beds for intensive care, surgery and reconstruction. “The next few days are the most critical for the treatment and commencement of the long process of rehabilitation for the injured. We stand behind the victims in providing all available assistance.” Sources familiar with the matter suspect that the flash-fire occurred after colored powder sprayed into revelers caught alight. Of the 497 affected, 202 sustained serious injuries and are being treated at 43 hospitals around Taiwan. Li Pei-yun, 20, is the first fatality. She died June 29 at Chung Shan Medical Hospital in Taichung City after succumbing to second-degree burns over 90 percent of her body. Mao said as a large number of the injured are students, the Ministry of Education has been directed to provide post-traumatic stress services. Also, the Mainland Affairs Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are playing their part in assisting families of overseas victims. “The government is deeply grateful for the immediate mobilization of cross-sector resources after the tragedy occurred,” Mao said. “The contributions of first responders, along with doctors and nurses, ensured the best possible care for the injured.” Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=232031&ctNode=413)