Nine dead in Taiwan hospital blaze: Fire agency

TAIPEI: Nine people died on Thursday ( Oct 3 ) after a fire ripped through a hospital in southern Taiwan, the island’s fire agency said.

According to an online blog from the fire company, the fire in Pingtung County was reported at around 7.40 am and was put out immediately after 1 pm.

According to the organization, one victim was later discovered dead at the scene, and eight were afterward confirmed killed after being taken away for treatment.

Although Taiwanese officials did not establish a connection between the two, the fire started the morning Typhoon Krathon made landfall in the island’s north.

Due to strong winds and heavy rain, Krathon forced schools and offices to close for a next morning, forcing them to close workplaces and schools.