At least 24 dead and 271 injured in Taiwan gas blasts

At least 24 killed in underground Taiwan gas explosions

At least 24 people have been killed and 271 injured in a series of underground gas explosions in the Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung.

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At least 24 people have been killed and 271 injured in a series of massive underground gas blasts in Taiwan.

A gas explosion goes off in the city of Kaohsiung. Credit: APTN

The fires are believed to have been caused by a leak of propene, often known as propylene, a petrochemical material not intended for public use.

The series of explosions happened along pipelines and split the street open. Credit: APTN

Emergency services are still looking for people they believe are trapped under the rubble.

Rescue teams survey the aftermath of the five explosions. Credit: APTN

Residents who live along the pipelines have been asked to evacuate.

A fire victim is taken to hospital. Credit: APTN

Last updated Fri 1 Aug 2014

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