Predawn Blaze Destroys 60-Year-Old Vegetarian Rice Cake Shop in Taitung City, No Injuries Reported

(Central News Agency reporter Lu Tai-cheng, Taitung County, April 14) A fire erupted early this morning at the intersection of Baosang Road and Fujian Road in Taitung City. Flames suddenly shot out from a 60-year-old vegetarian rice cake shop, with four gas cylinders simultaneously erupting in fire. Explosions were heard intermittently from inside the store, but fortunately, the shop owner's family was not inside, and no casualties occurred. The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation by police and fire authorities.

At around 1 a.m. today, fierce flames were seen shooting out from the vegetarian eatery on Baosang Road. The fire illuminated the entire street, with thick smoke billowing outward.

Local residents told media they first heard a series of explosion sounds, then went outside to check and found the entire shop already engulfed in flames. Fearing the fire would spread to nearby homes, they shouted for everyone to evacuate outdoors immediately and promptly dialed 119 to report the incident.

The Taitung County Fire Bureau stated that upon receiving the report, it immediately dispatched local fire units and multiple fire trucks to the scene. Firefighters quickly set up water lines upon arrival, cut through the metal roller shutter, and worked intensively to suppress the blaze. After approximately 20 minutes, the fire was successfully contained, preventing it from spreading to surrounding buildings.

Mr. Su, the shop owner, said that before closing, employees had reported a strange odor. Since the shop had just installed a sprinkler system and water-cooled fans that day, he personally checked all electrical appliances, unplugged all sockets, and then left. However, just over 10 minutes after leaving, he was informed that the shop was on fire. He suspects the newly purchased water-cooled fan may be related to the incident.

Initial on-site investigations by police and fire officials confirmed no injuries and no fire spread to neighboring properties. The precise cause of the fire is still being investigated and clarified by authorities. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150714

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