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01/11/2025 05:53:11 pm

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Firms Linked to Deadly Taiwan Gas Explosions Raided Overnight

Devastation in Kaoshiung After Blasts

(Photo : Reuters)

Government officials swarmed the offices of corporations linked to the disastrous natural gas explosions that ripped through southern Taiwan that killed 28 people and injured 300 people. Prosecutors removed several boxes that contained critical documents and other evidence that may lead to more clues about the tragic blasts on July 31.

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The raids targeted LCY Chemical Corporation and China General Terminal Distribution Corporation, a private contractor for LCY Chemical Corporation. Reports surfaced that the explosions were so intense that victims who were walking down the street were launched into the air and landed on rooftops of buildings. The pipelines which run directly under the city caused extensive damage through Kaoshiung. 

During the raid, officials searched for evidence that may reveal more clues about the events leading up to the tragedy. Although there have not been any arrests to date, prosecutors appear confident that there will be sufficient evidence to continue the investigation. Prosecutor Huang Yuan-kuan mentioned that the firms recorded all of the activity related to propene which will be extremely important in solving the case. Kaoshiung officials have also reported that nearly 10 tons of propene may have leaked just before the devastating explosions. Prosecutors and city officials have yet to make a n official comment regarding any possible fines or imprisonment for the parties involved.

President Ma Ying-jeou has pledged to continue the investigation and a complete review of the pipeline system. There have been discussions of possibly moving all of the pipelines away from the city and into more industrial and rural areas. However, moving the pipelines may create a logistics problem. LCY Chemical Corporation, through its contractor China General Terminal Distribution Corporation, delivers propene to a chemical plant using an extensive pipeline network that runs beneath the city. It is unknown if either of the two corporations will be forced to surrender their interests in the pipeline.

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