Panasonic Multilayer Materials Co., Ltd. of Taiwan in the Hsinchu Industrial Park reported a serious fire alarm in the early morning of today (4th). The fire department dispatched nearly a hundred personnel, ladder trucks and robots to rescue the disaster. Because the factory is mainly engaged in the manufacturing of high-end circuit board (PCB) materials, and chemical substances, including acetone, toluene and other highly volatile organic solvents, are stored and used in the factory and in the process, the fire caused a full-scale combustion and multiple violent explosions. County Magistrate Yang Wenke also rushed to the scene to update the rescue situation, reminding disaster relief safety and preventing air pollution, and instructed an all-out search for the two missing persons.
The fire's powerful shock wave even shattered the windows of surrounding houses. Black smoke rose into the sky, and the situation was once quite critical. The fire department stated that it is currently understood that the fire broke out in factory building A. The company's Japanese supervisor has arrived at the scene, and the North District Environmental Accident Professional Technical Team has also sent personnel to provide support.
Yang Wenke rushed to the scene at 10:40 a.m. to listen to the disaster relief briefing, and learned the latest rescue progress with Hukou Township Mayor Wu Shujun and the fire department and other relevant units. Yang Wenke said that the fire department immediately devoted all its efforts to rescue operations after receiving the notification, and the fire has been initially controlled. Police and firefighters used three ladder trucks to spray water from high altitude, and at the same time set up turrets and waterline comprehensive protection to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding factories and ensure the safety of the entire area.
In terms of casualties and loss of contact, it is currently known that 5 employees were injured (including 3 nationalities and 2 Vietnamese). Fortunately, they are all conscious and have been rushed to TECO Hospital and other places for treatment. However, two foreign employees were still missing at the scene. The fire department did not dare to be careless and was working with search and rescue personnel to venture deep into the factory and conduct an all-out search.
Because the odor and thick smoke produced by burning chemicals may affect air quality, the Ministry of Environment and the county government reminded local air quality authorities to turn on the orange light. Yang Wenke specifically appealed to nearby villagers to avoid going out or being near the factory area. If you must go out, please be sure to cooperate with the traffic control and diversion guidance of the police on site to protect driving and your own safety.
In addition, Hukou Township Mayor Wu Shujun also reported to the county magistrate and the on-site team the progress of the damage inventory for the affected residential houses and dormitory areas around the factory. Wu Shujun pointed out that since the window glass of some dormitories and residents was damaged by the explosion, the township government has mobilized the civil affairs department and local village chiefs to provide full assistance. For residents who are away from home due to work, the office will conduct a comprehensive inventory within the next two days and provide appropriate resettlement and follow-up assistance to the affected folks.
