Historic Taichung Hotel Ravaged by Fire, Six Rescued

A fire ravaged the historic Northwest Hotel in Taichung, Taiwan, a building once celebrated as the "trendiest hotel" half a century ago. The blaze, which broke out Tuesday night, consumed the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the structure.

Firefighters responded swiftly, deploying over 100 personnel and multiple vehicles to combat the flames. Six residents, including an elderly woman and her foreign caregiver, were trapped on the roof and required rescue by ladder trucks. All six, suffering from smoke inhalation, were taken to the hospital but were conscious and in stable condition.

The hotel, which opened in 1966, was designed by the versatile artist Wang Shui-he. Its modern exterior, unique facade, and high-ceilinged interior spaces, adorned with nude reliefs, made it a pioneering architectural landmark at the time. The fire has left many long-time Taichung residents mourning the loss of a significant piece of their city's history.

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The Northwest Hotel in Taichung City's Central District, with its modern appearance and unique facade, was once the "trendiest hotel" half a century ago, but last night it was engulfed in flames.