A tragic fire broke out in central Taiwan on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals at a large food-processing facility that was still under construction. Reports indicate that the incident occurred in the city of Taichung, where social media videos captured dramatic scenes of thick, dark smoke and vivid orange flames erupting from one end of the five-story structure.

While the precise cause of the blaze remains unclear, local authorities have pointed out that the extensive use of foam panels in the building played a significant role in the fire’s rapid spread. Emergency responders faced considerable challenges as they worked to contain the blaze and conduct search and rescue operations.

According to local news reports, one of the deceased had jumped from the third story in an attempt to escape the flames. Firefighters continued their efforts into the evening, discovering the remaining victims amidst the wreckage. In total, 19 individuals were successfully rescued from the scene, highlighting the dangers associated with such industrial fires.

The construction site was intended for a PX Mart supermarket, reflecting the ongoing development efforts in the region. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures in construction areas, especially where highly flammable materials are involved.