Keelung House Fire Claims Plumber's Life; Family Escapes Blaze

A devastating fire ripped through a residential building in Keelung City late Tuesday night, claiming the life of a 60-year-old plumber and electrician. The blaze, which started around 9:30 p.m. in the living room of a third-floor apartment on Zhongshan 2nd Road, quickly escalated, trapping the man inside.

Neighbors reported hearing what sounded like electrical explosions before flames erupted. The victim's son-in-law, who lives on the fourth floor, attempted to rescue him but was forced back by the intense heat and flames, sustaining burns before alerting authorities. Firefighters arrived promptly, controlled the fire within half an hour, and rescued the man from a bedroom. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital due to severe smoke inhalation.

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If the fire hadn't happened, my brother would have gone to work at 6 a.m. today. I never imagined this sudden, nameless fire would catch our whole family so off guard.

The victim was a well-respected member of the community, known for his dedication to his family and work. He lived in the four-story building with his wife, two daughters, and son-in-law, a property inherited from his father. His wife, daughters, and granddaughter had fortunately left the apartment shortly before the fire began, narrowly escaping the tragedy.

The victim's sister expressed profound grief, noting her brother's predictable routine and early bedtime, emphasizing how the sudden fire caught the entire family off guard. Local community leaders also mourned the loss, describing the victim as a diligent and family-oriented man. Fire investigators are examining the scene to determine the exact cause of the fire, with preliminary indications pointing towards an electrical short circuit.

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He was a diligent man who went home after work every day to be with his wife and take care of his granddaughter. He was known in the neighborhood as a good, family-oriented man.