Formosa Plastics Old Building Renovation Causes Disaster! Sinkhole Appears on Dunhua North Road, Gas Pipeline Ruptures Prompting Evacuation

The urban redevelopment project of Formosa Plastics' former headquarters building located at Lane 199, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, experienced a gas leak and road collapse incident this morning. Formosa Plastics confirmed a minor collapse at the construction site and stated that emergency measures are underway. A company executive explained that the old building's redevelopment is ongoing, and a slight collapse occurred in the retaining wall. Since a gas pipeline runs nearby, the incident caused some gas leakage, and emergency response has already begun. The company stated that after further investigation, it will jointly release a detailed explanation with the turnkey contractor.

According to eyewitnesses, a sudden ground subsidence occurred near Lane 199, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei City. Emergency services were dispatched at 10:42 a.m. after receiving reports of a sunken area in front of a building at Lane 16, Lane 199. A sinkhole approximately 4 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 1 meter deep was discovered, with a strong smell of gas permeating the site. Authorities immediately cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents, evacuated nearby residents, and notified relevant Taipei City Government departments to investigate. Traffic control has been implemented at the scene.

KMT Taipei City Councilor Chin Hui-chu rushed to the site after receiving reports from residents. She stated through media channels that due to the sinkhole's proximity to a large construction site and cranes, nearby residents are extremely concerned about underground voids caused by construction, which could threaten the structural integrity of surrounding homes. The ruptured gas pipeline caused a strong gas odor, and gas company personnel have urgently shut off the gas valve. Relevant city government units are rushing to the scene to assess the situation, and the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.