CNA file photo

Taipei, July 2 (CNA) A second victim in the fiery blast in New Taipei last Saturday succumbed to his wounds early Thursday despite efforts by medical staff and celebrities to help him recover, doctors said.

Liu Chih-wei (劉致葦), a promising design student at Taipei College of Maritime Technology, was pronounced dead at Taichung Veterans General Hospital at 5:41 a.m., doctors said.

The 19-year-old sustained burns to over 90 percent of his body when a large amount of cornstarch powder sprayed during a party at Formosa Fun Coast water park was ignited, causing injuries to nearly 500 party-goers.

Liu was a fan of pop singer Jolin Tsai and Taiwanese-American fashion designer Jason Wu, both of whom sent recorded messages or flowers earlier this week to show sympathy and support.

Another victim, a 20-year-old girl, died on Monday and some 270 of those injured in the blast remained in intensive care units as of Wednesday.

(By Liao Jen-kai and Jay Chen)
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