At Least 5 Killed In Karaoke Fire In Taipei

At least five people were killed and dozens more hurt in a fire that tore through a karaoke parlour in Taipei on Sunday, in an incident that fire authorities say may have involved ‘gross negligence’.

Reports say more than 50 people were hurt – two critically – and were rushed to hospital.

Local media reports say the blaze started on the fifth floor of a 14-floor building on Linsen North Road, at a branch of the karaoke franchise Partyworld.

The first nine floors of the building belong to the karaoke branch.

More than 100 firemen rushed to the scene at around 11am on Sunday, along with dozens of fire trucks and ambulances.

The fire was put out in about half an hour, but many were caught in the blaze.

Media reports quoted some customers who were rescued as saying that they didn’t hear a fire alarm before they found themselves trapped by the fire.

The Taipei City Fire Department said a preliminary investigation reveals that repairs were being conducted on elevators in the building, and various safety systems – including fire alarms and sprinklers – had been turned off as a result.

It said this matter could involve “serious negligence”.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, who visited the site, stressed that the authorities will thorough investigate the incident.

For its part, the karaoke operator said it is deeply sorry for the fire and will cooperate fully with the investigation.