Hsinchu Gas Blast Kills Two; Shop Owner's Alarm Claim Questioned

A deadly gas explosion at a bento shop in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, has claimed two lives and left two others injured. Investigators examining the scene discovered ruptured and melted hoses on gas cylinders, a critical piece of evidence that contradicts the shop owner's claim of having installed a gas leak alarm.

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The hoses on one 20kg and one 16kg gas cylinder were clearly ruptured, and the rupture on the 16kg gas cylinder showed signs of melting.

Fire investigators recovered four gas cylinders from the bento shop, including three 20kg tanks and one 16kg tank. They found that the hoses on one 20kg and the 16kg cylinder were significantly ruptured, with the latter showing signs of melting. The cause of the rupture is under investigation, with possibilities ranging from poor material quality, age, or even rodent damage.

Fire officials believe a rupture in the 16kg cylinder's hose likely led to a rapid, large-scale gas leak overnight. This accumulated gas may have then ignited from an electrical spark, possibly from a refrigerator or air conditioning unit, causing the explosion. The shop's employees reported no unusual gas odors before closing on the night of the incident.

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The possible causes of the rupture and melting include high temperatures, poor hose material, age, or even rodent bites.

In response to the tragedy, Hsinchu City Mayor Kao Hung-an announced plans for a comprehensive inspection of all bento shops, restaurants, and eateries using liquefied petroleum gas within the next three months. For establishments using less than 80kg of gas, which are not currently subject to strict regulation, the city will guide owners to install safety features such as automatic shut-off valves, leak detectors, anti-tip devices, and fire extinguishers.

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We plan to conduct a comprehensive inspection of all places using liquefied petroleum gas, including bento shops, restaurants, and general eateries, within three months starting next week.