46 people were killed in a building fire in southern Taiwan
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At least 46 people were killed and dozens injured after a fire broke out in a multi-purpose building in southern Taiwan, local media reported Thursday.
The fire occurred in a 40-year-old 13-storey building in Kaohsiung City.
The "Apple Daily" newspaper and local media quoted the fire department, quoting journalists at the site of the accident, as saying that 46 people found dead in the building had been confirmed and 41 injured.
The fire department said in a statement that the upper floors of the building housed about 120 families, while the lower floors were uninhabited.
Officials said rescuers were still checking all floors for anyone trapped inside the building.
The department stated that the fire was extinguished after more than four hours.
About 145 firefighters and 72 firefighting trucks were sent to participate in the firefighting efforts.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen instructed the authorities to continue rescue activities, help relocate affected families and thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident.
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