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11/22/2024 01:02:20 pm

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Organizer Kneels in Apology, Takes All the Blame for Taiwan Water Park Blast

Taiwan Water Park Blast

(Photo : Reuters / Chen Bo) A victim of the water park blast in Taiwan lying on a lifesaver while being attended to by her companions. June 27, 2015.

Upon stepping out of the police station, an organizer of Color Play Asia clasped his hands and went down on his knees. Lu Chung-chi was one of the five event organizers who were arrested following the tragic fire at the Formosa Fun Coast water park in Taiwan. More than 500 people have been seriously injured, with more than 200 in critical condition. One woman was reported to have succumbed to her burns.

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Lu was released immediately after posting approximately 200,300 yuan. As soon as he emerged from the prosecutor's office, he faced the reporters and knelt. The repentant organizer then expressed his deepest condolences to the victims and their families and accepted "ultimate" responsibility for the fatal accident. 

"I'm not sure what I can do for the many injured, but I will do my best to make up for what I have done," Shanghaiist quoted Lu.

Authorities interrogated Lu and the employees responsible for the equipment and special effects at the party. It was revealed that Lu, identified by Taipei Times as the head of a local marketing firm, has failed to advise his staff about the possible dangers of the powder. However, in an earlier TV interview, Lu stated that he mixed cornstarch and food dye to produce colored powder that is safe for intended use. 

Aside from Lu, DJ Alyshia .L sent out her apologies as well. According to Taipei Times, the event host blamed herself for the injury of the fans who came to the party to see her perform. In a post on her Facebook, she confirmed that she is doing fine despite having feared for her life while assisting the audience out of the accident site. She further likened the incident to "the end of the world." 

The fire broke out at around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, following an explosion allegedly caused by the colored powder used in the party. One stage at the water park caught flames after the mid-air blast, Focus Taiwan cited. While awaiting investigation results, Taiwan Premier Mao Chi-juo ordered a nationwide ban on the use of colored powder in any event. 

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