Taiwan fire injures 516

TAIPEI: The number of people injured during a blaze at a recreational water park in Taiwan has risen to 516.

A total of 194 people have been severely injured, said the New Taipei city health bureau. Most of the victims suffered burns on more than 50 percent of their bodies and inhaled large amounts of black carbon dust, said the health department. The injured were immediately sent to 39 hospitals.

The park was holding a Colour Play Asia party with 4 500 people present when sudden sparks from burning party powder turned into a huge blaze. – Xinhua