NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei City officials on Tuesday (Jan. 7) reported that authorities have evacuated 64 households, affecting 162 people, as a precaution following the collapse of a building in the Sanchong District (三重區). Construction on Liuzhang Street in Sanchong on Monday led to the collapse of a neighboring building. Feng Chao-lin (馮兆麟), head of the Public Works Department (工務局), said emergency crews dismantled the precarious structure at No. 190 to ensure nearby residents' safety.
The incident occurred when excavation for a basement caused the sudden collapse of building No. 184. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Feng stated that after the collapse, crews worked overnight to dismantle No. 190 and cut off electricity and gas to prevent further accidents. He noted that while No. 184 was less severely tilted compared to No. 194, both sides were significantly affected.
Lai Chien-hung (賴建宏), head of the New Taipei City Professional Civil Engineers Association (新北市土木技師公會理事長), suggested that the collapse might have resulted from basement excavation procedures or anomalies during dewatering processes. The ongoing investigation will focus on these aspects. City officials confirmed the foundation has stabilized and that residents can return home once civil engineers verify the safety of the structures. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will review monitoring and construction data to determine liability. Residents await further updates on the situation.