Tainan to help residents seek compensation after waste fire explosion

Taipei, Aug. 23 (CNA) The city of Tainan plans to help residents affected by a fire and explosion at a waste storage site seek compensation through a collective lawsuit, after the company suspected of storing the waste was found to have vacated its registered address.

Tainan Deputy Mayor Chao Ching-hui (趙卿惠) said Sunday that the city government checked the company's registered address and found that its lease had expired and the site was now occupied by a hair salon.

Authorities are also trying to locate the company's owner, whose whereabouts remain unknown, she said.

The city is checking the assets of those involved and related parties and plans to work with the local bar association to pursue compensation on behalf of affected residents, Chao said, though the city had yet to clarify what actually happened.

The waste at the site contained aluminum, magnesium and waste oil, the city said, but authorities there are investigating its source and how it was stored and will pursue penalties if violations of waste disposal or other regulations are confirmed.

As of Sunday afternoon, police had questioned two men suspected of involvement in the illegal storage of waste, but they were released after questioning, the city said, and the case will be referred to prosecutors for further investigation.

In the meantime, Chao said, the city will also provide emergency funding to help repair damaged homes, with the costs to be recovered from the company or individuals responsible.

The fire and explosion in Annan District on Saturday damaged 11 households and 22 vehicles and injured 15 people. Most of the injuries were minor, and all 15 people were discharged after treatment.

The city has also temporarily relocated residents from the 11 most severely affected households and provided emergency assistance, while arranging support for home repairs and compensation for property losses.