TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Monday (May 27) expressed his deep condolences on the tragic deaths of two firefighters in Hsinchu City and vowed to enhance safety measures for emergency response teams.
"I will do everything in my power to improve the safety of disaster response duties and enhance the working environment for firefighters," Premier Cho said.
A Tragic Incident in Hsinchu City
The incident, which occurred late Sunday night (May 26) around 10 p.m., has prompted a thorough investigation to determine the cause and accountability.
The fire in a residential building in Hsinchu City's East District led to the deaths of two firefighters, Li Yung-chen (李詠真) and Chou Li-hsin (周立鑫). The two were conducting a second search when they reportedly collapsed in a stairwell, likely due to depleted air tanks, and were later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Ministry of the Interior and the National Fire Agency have been directed to visit the site immediately, understand the situation, and console the bereaved families, according to Cho.
The National Fire Agency has initiated an investigation to clarify the circumstances leading to this unfortunate event. This tragedy has sparked a nationwide conversation on the safety of emergency responders and the need for improved protocols to protect those who risk their lives for public safety.
The investigation's findings are eagerly awaited, with the promise of uncovering the truth and preventing future losses.