Kaohsiung police halt illegal fireworks during temple procession after prior warnings fail

Police in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, were forced to exercise public authority to control a temple procession that violated regulations by planning to set off a large quantity of fireworks and firecrackers. The incident occurred on May 31 during a procession organized by the "Zhongxing Tang" temple in Cao'an, which was set to travel through multiple administrative districts.

Authorities had held coordination meetings beforehand to regulate the event, including road usage rights. However, when the procession reached the intersection of Mingzheng 2nd Street and Mingya Road in Qianzhen District, a temple representative identified by the surname Huang intended to ignite numerous fireworks. Police officers immediately intervened to prevent the action.

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Prior meetings and warnings were ineffective; police demonstrated public authority on-site to impose restrictions.

The police also notified the Fire Bureau to inspect and regulate the situation. A standoff ensued, but ultimately, the temple organizers complied with the officers' orders and did not proceed with setting off the large fireworks display. The procession was intended to move towards the Xiaogang District.

The Qianzhen Precinct issued a statement urging event organizers and participants of temple processions to adhere to relevant laws. They emphasized the importance of avoiding the setting off of firecrackers or burning materials near roads, as this can create dense smoke, obstruct visibility, and endanger the safety of road users. The police's decisive action aimed to prevent potential hazards and public nuisance caused by the unregulated use of pyrotechnics.

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Temple procession organizers and participants should comply with relevant laws, avoid setting off firecrackers or burning items near roads, to prevent dense smoke from affecting visibility and endangering the safety of road users.