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Factory Fire Damages New Taipei School; Taxpayers May Bear NT$87 Million Cost

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • A fire at two factories near Ganyuan Elementary School in New Taipei City caused extensive damage to the school's "Innovation Building."
  • The fire, which occurred in November, has left the school with an estimated NT$40 million in damages, with repair costs expected to reach NT$87 million.
  • Authorities have been unable to determine the cause of the fire, leaving the possibility of seeking compensation from the factory owners and landowners uncertain, potentially burdening taxpayers.

A devastating fire that engulfed two factories adjacent to Ganyuan Elementary School in New Taipei City has left the school's "Innovation Building" severely damaged. The blaze, which occurred in November, has resulted in an estimated NT$40 million in damages to the school property.

The owners and landowners of the two affected factories have remained unreachable, adopting a 'cold treatment' approach nearly eight months after the incident.

— Liberty TimesDescribing the lack of response from the factory owners and landowners.

Despite the significant destruction, the owners and landowners of the two affected factories have remained unreachable, adopting a "cold treatment" approach nearly eight months after the incident. In response, the New Taipei City Education Bureau has allocated NT$47 million for emergency repairs, aiming to complete the restoration by the end of the year to ensure the school's property and students' right to education are protected.

However, the situation is complicated by the fact that fire investigators have been unable to determine the cause of the fire. This lack of a clear cause makes it unlikely that the public sector will be able to seek compensation from the responsible parties. Consequently, the total cost, including repair expenses and other social costs, could reach NT$87 million, potentially leaving taxpayers to bear the financial burden.

This lack of a clear cause makes it unlikely that the public sector will be able to seek compensation from the responsible parties.

— Liberty TimesExplaining the financial implications for the public sector.

Parents have expressed frustration and helplessness, criticizing the lack of accountability from the businesses and landowners responsible for the disaster. They are urging public authorities to take decisive action and for the public safety inspection team to intervene to ensure the responsible parties face consequences. The damage has particularly impacted essential facilities like computer classrooms, affecting students' learning.

The damage has particularly impacted essential facilities like computer classrooms, affecting students' learning.

— Liberty TimesDetailing the impact on the school's educational facilities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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